The Leader of Sandwell Council has offered his condolences to the families of victims of the terrorist attacks that took place across Paris on Friday night. Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Barbara Price, will be writing a letter of support to the Mayor of Le Blanc-Mesnil - a town in the north eastern suburbs of Paris - which is twinned with Sandwell.

Councillor Darren Cooper said: "Like everyone, I was utterly appalled to see the horrifying scenes unfold in Paris on Friday.

"Firstly, I extend our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been most affected by this vile attack and who have lost loved ones in this unimaginable way.

"We especially share our sympathies with our close friends in the Paris district of Le Blanc-Mesnil, with which Sandwell has been twinned since 1985."

"As a show of solidarity, we plan to fly the French Tricolore at half-mast outside Sandwell Council House.

"It has only been a few months since we were touched by the sickening attack in Tunisia, which took the life of one of our members of staff and two members of his family. Once again we are faced with a disgusting attack on innocent people.

"However we must continue to stand united in the face of terrorism and make it clear that we will not be intimidated by such cowardly acts."