Remembering Ipswich victims of the 7/7 bombings 20 years on

A series of commemorative events were held across today to remember those who died after bombs exploded on three Tube trains on July 7 2025.

Among those who died in the Aldgate bombing on that day were Ipswich men Richard Gray and Richard Ellery.

Richard Ellery was a 21-year-old shop worker for the photographic chain Jessops  in the town. 

On the day he was on his way to a training course at the firm’s Kensington store. 

He had intended to get up at 6am to catch his train to London, but did not wake until 6.30am and had to rush to the station.

In a text to his mother at 8.30am he said he was enroute, as his train reached Liverpool Street station.

Confirmation of his death on the Aldgate-bound tube train came several days later.

Richard Ellery who died in the terrorist attack in London in 2005 (Image: Newsquest)

He was the eldest of three children and was born and raised in Southampton. 

Mr Ellery left at 18 and moved in with friends in Ipswich, shortly before he died. 

Jessops closed all its 280 stores to mark a national two-minute silence a week after the bombings. 

Another victim from Ipswich was 41-year-old Richard Gray, who was a tax manager and lived in Irlam Road. 

He was born in Bradford-on-Avon and met his wife Louise in 1987 when she started a part-time job at the Ipswich hotel owned by his parents.

Richard Gray was one of the 7/7 victims (Image: Newsquest) They went on to have two children, Adam and Ruby.

Mr Gray qualified as a chartered accountant specialising in tax and commuted every day from Ipswich to his job with FW Smith Riches and Company in Pall Mall, central London.

He was also the founding member of Ipswich and East Suffolk Hockey Club in 1986. 

In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever.

“We honour the courage shown that day — the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror.

“Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now — against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”