THE Mayor of Thurrock has written to her counterpart in Paris to express her and borough’s sympathies following Friday’s atrocities in the French capital.

Councillor Sue Gray wrote to Anne Hidalgo saying: “I would like to send to you our profound condolences on the atrocities you have encountered. For and on behalf of all residents of Thurrock.”

A book of condolence has been opened at the Civic Offices in Grays for residents to sign, and the Union flag at the offices was lowered to half-mast on Monday as marks of respect to those who died in the horrific attacks.

The Mayor said: “I felt there was little else to say, the horrors we saw on our television screens were beyond words. I just felt I needed to express the deepest sympathies and condolences of the people of Thurrock.”

Council chief executive Lyn Carpenter added: “At next week’s full council meeting the mayor will be marking the presentation of France’s Legion d'Honneur to Thurrock resident Albert England – for his role in the D-Day Normandy landings.

“That seems an appropriate time to close the Book of Condolence which will then be passed to the French Embassy.”