'We actually know exactly what happened ... that's been a huge comfort,' say family of Nick Alexander

The family of the Essex man who died in his ex-girlfriend's arms in the Paris terror attacks say have been comforted by knowing he was loved in his final moments.

Nick Alexander, 35, from Colchester, was among 89 people murdered by Islamic State fanatics in the Bataclan theatre in the French capital.

As it nears the first anniversary of the attacks, his mother, Sheelagh, and sister, Zoe, has spoken to BBC Essex in their first interview since his death on November 13 last year.

Mr Alexander was selling merchandise for the US rock band Eagles Of Death Metal when gunmen stormed the building.

He died, having been shot in the stomach and chest, in the arms of former partner Helen Wilson, who told his inquest he was the "love of my life".

His mother said it is a "huge comfort" to know that he was being cared for.

The pair said they had tried not to think too much about the night of the attacks.

Mr Alexander, who was living in London at the time, was one of 130 people killed by Islamic State terrorists who carried out six co-ordinated attacks, targeting bars, restaurants and the national stadium, the Stade de France.

Three men armed with automatic weapons, pistols and grenades attacked the Bataclan theatre. Two died after detonating suicide vests and the third was shot by police.

The trio were Frenchmen Omar Ismail Mostefai, 29, Samy Amimour, 28, and Foued Mohamed-Aggad, 23.

Mr Alexander's family will commemorate his death with a charity concert titled A Peaceful Noise at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in west London on November 15.

Supergrass's Gaz Coombes, Travis frontman Fran Healy and Maximo Park are among the performers.