FAMILY members have been paying tributes to the British nationals who lost their lives in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday.
At least 359 people, including eight Britons, were killed in the attacks that targeted luxury hotels and churches.
Among those who died were two teenagers who were on the final day of their holiday.
Daniel, 19, and his 15-year-old sister Amelie were having breakfast with their father in the Shagri-La Hotel when they tragically lost their lives in an explosion.
Their older brother David told Sky News: "I think they were killed instantly... my sister looked unharmed and was taken to hospital. My father stayed with my brother... by the time they got to the hospital, he had passed away."
Another victim was Lorraine, who has been described by her husband as a real "tour de force." Lorraine was staying at the Cinnamon Grand hotel when the blasts went off.
"I've lost my best friend in the world for all the adventures we shared and planned for the future," her husband said in a statement. "Lorraine was a real tour de force, she epitomised the qualities she lived by, and was a conduit for bringing people together to both make things happen, and make them better."
World leaders have condemned Sunday's attacks, with British prime minister Theresa May calling the acts of violence truly "appalling."
She wrote on Twitter: "The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time.
"We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear."
Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt also condemned the Sir Lanka blasts.
He tweeted: "I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the horrifying attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.
"To target those gathered for worship on Easter Sunday is particularly wicked."
The bombing victims include at least 31 foreigners from at least 12 countries.
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)