Tributes paid to Tadley man believed to have been killed in Tunisia terror attack

Neighbours describe 80-year-old David Thompson as "kind and thoughtful"

TRIBUTES have been paid to an 80-year-old Tadley man who is thought to be one of the British people who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Tunisia last Friday.

David Thompson, of The Green, has been named locally as one of the victims of the terrorist attack on a beach near Sousse.

Thirty-eight people died in the attack, with thirty of those expected to be confirmed as British.

Today (Tues), neighbours told The Newbury Weekly News that Mr Thompson was on holiday in Sousse with his partner Anne at the time of the attack.

Claire Chambers, who exchanged Christmas cards with the couple, said: "It is just terrible news.

"David was quite a character. He was a very vibrant man and someone who was very fit and active.

“He was always out running. You’d never have known he was 80.

“It is a huge shock whether you know anyone involved or not. It is very upsetting what has happened and to find out you know someone is even worse.

“You don’t expect it on your doorstep. It is very sad and very traumatic and all our thoughts are with Anne at this time.

“I don’t even know how you’d begin to get through something like this."

Mr Thompson's next door neighbour, Audrey Phipps, said: "We are all really shocked by the news. David was kind and thoughtful, a nice neighbour.

“He will be greatly missed.”

In a statement released by Hampshre Constabulary this afternoon, Mr Thompson's family asked for privacy at "this extremely difficult time".

Speaking today, Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, said: “I am horrified at the truly shocking news of the shootings in Tunisia, and to hear that one of the victims is David Thompson, one of my constituents from Tadley.

"His family, indeed every family and loved one going through this terrible time, are in my thoughts. They have my deepest sympathies.

"We must now do everything we can to assist those in need. Families need to receive information and support and the deceased and injured need to be brought home as quickly as possible and I welcome the statement by the Prime Minister in the House yesterday confirming the enormous effort underway to help everyone affected.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not confirmed the identity of any of the British victims.

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that a minute's silence will be held across the country on Friday to remember the victims of the attack.