'We remember those who lost their lives' - Portsmouth holds 9/11 commemoration 25 years on from the attacks

A service was held at the Rose Gardens in Southsea to commemorate those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks 25 years ago.

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Abdul Kadir, attended the service and remembered his family member who died during the attacks.

“It was a very moving service. 9/11 changed how we operate - it was sad, but it should have never happened,” he said.

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“We remember those who lost their lives today and we will never forget them.

“It is something that changed me as a person, I lost an extended family member in the towers. He never got to see his son, so coming to this service is very personal.

“I want to thank every member of the public, police, army and everyone who came to remember at this service. It was very moving,” said Cllr Kadir.

Councillor Darren Sanders also thanked emergency service workers for attending the service and said during the service: “There are nearly 3,000 families of innocent people who lost their lives in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania.

“Like the Lord Mayor, they will not get those people back, and that is why it’s very important that today we mark this event on its 25th anniversary.”

2,996 people lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, and the hijacking of United Airlines flight 93, on September 11, 2001.