Bombing victim's son in Blair protest

A YOUNG Ipswich boy who lost his father in the London bombings was today boycotting a memorial ceremony for victims.

The 11-year-old was refusing to attend the ceremony because he blames prime minister Tony Blair for making London a terror target.

Adam Gray's seven-year-old sister Ruby, however, was to present a posy to the Queen.

Richard Gray, of Irlam Road, Ipswich, was one of seven people who died when a suicide bomber detonated explosives on a Circle Line train near Liverpool Street.

The 41-year-old was on his way to work as a tax manager in Pall Mall when terrorists attacked three tube trains almost simultaneously.

His wife Louise, who was attending the service, told London's Evening Standard: “He is very angry with the bombers but he also blames the war and he blames the government.

“He doesn't want to be part of anything that has Tony Blair there.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Culture, which is organising the ceremony, said the youngster also did not want to travel to London.

She said: “It's difficult for him to go to London. It is for many of the children. Adam is staying at home and Ruby will the person giving the posy to the Queen.”

Relatives who lost loved ones in the London terrorist attacks were today gathering at the national memorial service dedicated to the victims of the July 7 suicide bombings.

The Queen, the prime minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury were joining a 2,300-strong congregation made up of families of the dead, survivors and members of the emergency services who fought to save lives in the aftermath of the blasts.

More than 50 people were killed and hundreds injured when four suicide bombers targeted London's transport network during the morning rush hour.

In the service at St Paul's Cathedral, four candles - one for each for the bomb sites at Aldgate, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square - were to be lit in a poignant act of remembrance.