A LETTER of support has been sent to the mayor of the borough's French twin town following the devastating terrorist attacks in Paris.

Wigan Council pledged its support to the town of Angers following the terror attacks which left 129 people dead.

In a letter to the Mayor of Angers, Christophe Bechu, Lord Peter Smith, said: “It was with shock and increasing horror that I watched the TV news bulletins on Friday evening with the appalling violent attacks on French Citizens in Paris.

“Firstly I wanted to pass on the deepest sympathy from local people for these awful events and assure you of our thoughts for victims and their families.

“Secondly although these attacks have taken place on French soil, they are attacks against our free society across Europe which they seek to undermine and to create divisions between our people.

“Whilst we must be more vigilant and bolster our security defences, particularly electronic communication, we should not allow them to change our lives and retreat into separate communities. As the President says we are at war with these groups and can only beat them if we stay united.

“Please remember that we are mindful of your pain and want to assure of our continued support and solidarity.”

On Saturday in Wigan and Leigh, borough residents took part in a minute's silence as a mark of respect to those killed in Paris.

MP for Leigh, Andy Burnham, also paid his respects to Paris.

He said: “The whole House is united in sending its sympathy and solidarity to the people of France following the terrible events on Friday. These callous attacks confirm the ability of ISIL to hit at the heart of Europe and place an obligation on us all to redouble our efforts to protect the safety of our country and that of our neighbours.”