Welcome news but ‘no closure’ for 9/11 family

THE father of a stockbroker from Yorkshire who died in the September 11 attacks said yesterday he welcomed the news of Osama bin Laden’s death but added it was unlikely to bring his family “closure”.

Nigel Thompson, who worked as a stockbroker with Cantor Fitzgerald, died at the age of 33 when the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Centre where his office was located.

His father Norman, a former police officer from Sheffield, said: “I’m pleased, definitely. It doesn’t bring our son back – we’ve lost him. People talk of closure.

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“There’s no such thing as closure because we have it every day. It’s one of those difficult things. It would bring justice, definitely, but certainly no closure. It’s an every- day trial for us.”

Mr Thompson also said he was uncertain about the impact of the terrorist leader’s death, and added: “I hope it lets things lie a bit but we don’t know really, do we?

“It might get worse, there might be someone else ready to get into his position but we just have to wait and see.”

Other relatives of those killed in al-Qaida attacks also spoke of their concern that the group would continue to operate. They included David Hartley, whose wife Marie, 34, was killed in the 7/7 attacks in London.

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Mr Hartley, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancs, said the news brought no real sense of justice and added he was worried there was no shortage of extremist leaders willing to replace bin Laden.

He said: “They have got one but there are more behind there. I can’t see this meaning terrorism is likely to stop there. They might try retaliating a bit more now.

“There is no sense of justice. They have someone but there are plenty of people willing to take his place. He is just one of them.”

Betty Hilton, whose son-in-law Robin Larkey was killed in the September 11 attacks, said: “My immediate reaction is, I’m glad. You think – jolly good.

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“He was such a dreadful person, I’m sure the world is better off without him. I’m glad, but you often go deeply into thought about 9/11 and wonder who actually was to blame – I don’t know if we are ever going to really know where to lay the blame completely.”

Mr Larkey, from Surrey, was married to Mrs Hilton’s daughter, Tracy, and also worked for Cantor Fitzgerald in the North Tower of the World Trade Centre.

Mrs Hilton, 72, from south-east London, said she was pleased that bin Laden had been killed rather than captured.

She added: “When they have trials it goes on for ages. I’m glad, the world doesn’t need him. I hope he doesn’t become a martyr but I suppose it’s a possibility. I’m glad he’s no longer here – I just wish my son-in-law could be here.

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“I suppose in a way it’s some sort of justice, it makes me feel somebody is maybe paying in some way. But the whole truth of 9/11? I don’t know.”

Graham Knight, whose son Ben was killed aged 25 when the RAF Nimrod plane he was in exploded over Afghanistan in 2006, said bin Laden was an “evil man who hasn’t died a martyr”.

He said: “I was surprised because after all these years I thought that he had maybe just died or would never be found.”

Mr Knight, from Somerset, who has been an outspoken critic of the conflict that claimed his son’s life, praised the Americans for not giving up their search for bin Laden.

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He added: “I just feel very much for those who have lost loved ones, not just in the army in Afghanistan but the Afghan people and how many have been killed due to bin Laden’s ideology.”

Sean Cassidy, whose son Ciaran, 22, was killed in the 7/7 Piccadily Underground line blast, said he was “very happy”.

“It’s a pity there weren’t more of them,” he said.

“It’s been a long time coming and I don’t know how he was able to stay loose.

“I am very happy, and very well done to the Americans, they deserve their praise.

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“I hope he isn’t allowed a shrine. Surely this is the time to ask some of the (hard-line) Muslim leaders if this is a job well done. Ask them in Beeston and Luton, ask if they are happy.”

Mr Cassidy, 63, said bin Laden’s death did not mean an end to terror and added: “He was the spiritual leader, not a foot soldier any more. He was like a supreme being.

“There are plenty more willing to fill his shoes – all those fanatical organisations have their young pretenders.”

‘It won’t mean much to people in beeston’

PEOPLE in the Leeds suburb of Beeston, which was home to several of the al Qaida-inspired London bombers, yesterday spoke of their relief at the death of Osama bin Laden.

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The July 7, 2005 attacks claimed the lives of 52 people when the suicide bombers attacked three London Tube trains and a bus in the city.

Two of the bombers – ringleader Mohammed Siddique Khan and Shehzad Tanweer – lived in Beeston, while another Hasib Hussain, grew up in the city’s Holbeck area.

The fourth bomber, Jermaine Lindsay, grew up in Huddersfield.

Beeston businessman Jon Reid, 36, said: “It is a bit of good news which may bring some relief to the families who lost loved ones. If you live by the sword, you die by the sword. He was a terrorist, what more can you say?”

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Another resident, who would only give his name as Imran, added: “I think it is good news but I think we need to see some proof that he is dead. You can’t just trust the Americans in everything they say. It is a very symbolic moment for the US, but it won’t mean much to people in Beeston.”

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