The Mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood has written to her counterpart in the village’s twin town in Paris to express her sorrow at the city's recent terror attacks.
Councillor Pat Strack penned the heartfelt letter to Lareunt Vastel, who represents residents in Fontenay-aux-Roses, in the outskirts of Paris.
The violence in the French capital city began after brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi attacked the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday, killing 12 employees.
On Thursday, another gunman, Amedy Coulibaly, shot dead a policewoman and injured a man in the southern Paris suburb of Montrouge before fleeing.
On Friday, the same gunman killed four people at a kosher supermarket in eastern Paris. In her letter, Cllr Strack wrote: "I would like to express the shock and horror we felt as the events of the terrorist attacks on Paris last week unfolded.
"This must have been a very terrifying time for the people of Fontenay - so close to the initial attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo and the sieges at Dammartin-en-Goele and Porte de Vincennes. The response from the people of Paris, and the whole of France, on Sunday was inspiring and a great example of reconciliation and solidarity.
"Condolences are sent from the councillors and staff of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council on behalf of the residents. We stand together with you in support of freedom and tolerance in this troubled time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here