Barford Tragedy
Villagers stunned by river deaths

One written tribute. Picture by PA. (s)

BARFORD villagers have been left stunned by the tragedy.

Maggie Hayward, a long-standing Barford parish councillor, said: “There was very full congregation at church on Sunday, everyone just so shocked and stunned. It is so hard to believe it could happen.

“Neighbours saw them so happy on the river and then 15 minutes later it was tragedy.

“The river has known tragedy before. One of the first tasks my husband Chris carried out as a GP when we moved here in the 1970s was to certify the death of a young boy in a canoeing accident on the river. Chris died two years ago but we were lucky to have 49 years together, so I cannot begin to imagine what it is like for this family. It is just appalling.

“They were such a lovely family who had spent so long getting their wonderful house renovated and looking forward to their life here but now it has all crumbled away. I can't imagine how anyone could cope with that.

“It is the only topic of conversation in the village right now, naturally.

“No one can believe it.”

More reaction to follow

Regional news »