Tributes to 'hero' firefighter and 'cherished' doctor killed in Sri Lanka terror attacks

A doctor and a former firefighter from Manchester have been confirmed as two victims of the Sri Lanka terrorist attacks.

Billy Harrop and his partner Sally Bradley both died during the bombings on Easter Sunday - which killed more than 290 people.

Mr Harrop was a well known and highly respected former firefighter who worked in various roles across Greater Manchester.

He was officially commended for his heroism during the IRA bombing of the city in 1996 - where he and his crew were one of the first on the scene.

Gary Keary, Fire Brigade Union brigade secretary, said the FBU was "shocked and saddened" to hear of Billy and Sally's deaths.

Damage at the scene the day after the IRA bomb blast in Manchester city centre. Credit: PA

Dr Sally Bradley worked as a GP in Salford before moving to Australia, where she worked as director of clinical services at Rockingham Peel Group in Perth.

The company’s executive director Kathleen Smith said Dr Bradley and her husband “lived for each other”.

Dr Bradley’s brother, former Labour MP Lord Keith Bradley, said: “She was truly a bright light in many people’s lives."

A soldier stands guard in front of the St. Anthony's Church where a blast took place in Colombo. Credit: PA

The couple's son Gavin, who was also in Sri Lanka at the time, survived the blasts, which targeted churches and hotels.

Eight Britons are among the dead, officials confirmed.