27 August 2021
2pm: New online Plymouth Together hub launched
A new online hub has been launched to help support all those impacted by the tragic incident in Keyham.
The site: www.plymouthtogether.co.uk includes the latest information on where local people can access care and wellbeing support in the city and which organisations can provide a listening ear and reassurance.
In addition, the website includes information regarding the new Plymouth Together Fund – providing a secure and safe way for fundraising activity to take place, information about future memorial activity and an online form for people to get in touch.
Over the past two weeks, dozens of organisations have rallied together to provide support for Keysham and communities impacted by the tragedy.
Council community engagement staff, educational psychologists, and youth workers have been based in Keyham at community hubs providing outreach support with an army of other local organisations (see below for new location). In addition, the Council has provided cleansing support, organised memorial events, and is now working with partners on a longer term recovery programme for the area. Ward councillors have also been actively supporting the community.
This website is from the Community Recovery Co-ordination Group, which has been set up by Plymouth City Council to look at how together with partners we can support and enable the communities impacted by the tragic events to recover and rebuild.
Over the weeks and months ahead, further information will be added to the website, to ensure it is the main place where people can receive the most factual and up-to-date information.
For those looking for support in the Keyham area, the Reassurance Hub, currently based at Ford Primary School, will be moving to to the Wolseley Trust Community Centre, Wolseley Close, PL2 3BY from tomorrow (Saturday 28 August). It will be open from 9am – 5pm.
1pm: Tributes to be preserved in memory fo Keyham attack victims
Memorial items left in Keyham will be kept as a permanent tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack on the 12 August.
Following consultation with residents of Keyham and the families of those who lost of their lives, Council staff will join members of the local community, to begin to remove the sea of flowers, plants, cards, teddies, candles and balloons that have been placed in key locations throughout the local area, from the 2 September.
Initially all the donations will be moved to a local secure area, where items will be digitally captured. Then, a range of petals of from the donations will be pressed and cast in resin, stored safely for the bereaved families and local community to view at a later date. Those that have wilted will be turned into compost, and used for future green space memorials.
Soft toys left as a tribute will be cleaned and stored and in future they will be given to children’s charities such as the Teddy Trust who give soft toys to children experiencing traumatic events all over the world. Messages and cards left will be kept by The Box, and stored for historical record.
Those wishing to continue to share their tributes will still be able to do so at a special memorial based at The Box. From Friday 3 until Friday 17 September, The Box will be turning its Cottonian Research Room into a drop-in space where people can leave their messages of condolence. Find out more.
Members of the public can call in at any time between 10am and 12pm every day except Mondays. Green card and stencils will be available for them to create their own hearts and write their tributes.
A facilitator will be on hand at all times to guide and support people. The hearts will then be displayed in The Box for everyone to see. Longer-term, they will be documented and held in the city archives. More information
19 August 2021
5pm: Plymouth Together Fund: Donate now to help Keyham recovery
The Wolseley Trust will be supporting communities in Keyham by overseeing the Plymouth Together Fund, helping to coordinate and distribute all the fundraising that has been raised to support the families and communities impacted by the tragedy last week.
On Thursday 12 August 2021, Maxine Davison, Stephen Washington and Kate Shepherd, were killed in Keyham, along with father and daughter Lee Martyn, and Sophie Martyn aged three.
As the community tries to rebuild and restore, the City has been touched by the outpouring of love and kindness that has been seen across the country.
Thousands of pounds has already been donated to various charities, groups and organisations to help support the communities impacted by the tragedy and help them rebuild and restore.
To help co-ordinate the fundraising, and ensure that funding is collected safely and distributed to those who need it, the Wolseley Trust will be the co-ordinating ‘hub’ for the collections.
The Wolseley Trust is local organisation that aim to help support community regeneration in Plymouth.
The Trust will be working with the Keyham community, including the Neighbourhood Watch group, and others, to collate all the fundraising that has been raised and place into a new ‘Plymouth Together Fund’. Working arm-in-arm with the community, they will then distribute the funding to the families of the victims and also to other local projects, groups and activities that support the recovery of the area.
Over the next few days, those interested in fundraising to help Keyham will be invited to attend a virtual meeting to discuss how they can help raise money for the new Plymouth Together Fund. If you are interested in attending, please email: PlymouthTogether@plymouth.gov.uk
Kevin Sproston, Chair of Keyham Neighbourhood Watch, said:
“It has been outstanding how many people have donated money to help our community. We will work with the Wolseley Trust to make sure that all the money donated goes directly to the local community impacted by this tragedy and to the families.
“Thank you to everyone in Plymouth and beyond that have shown that despite the dark days that lie ahead, we have support from so many people.”
Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, added:
“Residents of Plymouth, and indeed the whole country, have responded to this tragedy with such kindness, generosity and solidarity over the past few days. It has been overwhelming.
“We have had lots of people asking about where they can donate money to help both the families of those impacted, but also to support the wider recovery effort.
“It is important that all money donated goes to those who need it. We need to make sure that every penny counts. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people around that try to capitalise on tragedies like this. Therefore, I welcome the news that the Wolseley Trust have come forward to help be the ‘hub’ for all fundraising efforts.
“Together, they will work with the Keyham community to make sure that all funds raised go to where they are most needed.”
Sarah Taylor, Chief Executive from The Wolseley Trust, said:
“We are proud to be supporting the Plymouth Together Fund and we will work closely with the local community to ensure that the money goes where it is most needed.
“The most important thing to us is that people know where they can donate safely, have the reassurance that 100% of the money will go to the local area, and that the Keyham community will be taking the lead in deciding where they need that funding to go. I am pleased that The Wolseley Trust is able to facilitate that on their behalf.”
Donate here for the Plymouth Together Fund.
18 August 2021
1pm: Fundraising for Keyham
All proceeds from the sales of the British Firework Championships programme tonight and tomorrow night, as well as donations made directly to Devon Mind, will be used to support the community of Keyham.
The charity is working closely with the Council and Keyham Neighbourhood Watch and funds raised will be used for specific services to support the mental health of those who live or work in the Keyham area, including friends and families of those lost in the tragedy. Find out more
11am: Support for the Keyham community
Together with our partners, we have produced a booklet for the residents of Keyham and surrounding areas - outlining where and how to access support. This booklet is available at the two community hubs at: St Mark’s Church or Ford Primary School. Or you can download it here: Keyham Leaflet
10.30am: Residents joined civic leaders for reflection and prayer for the victims, their families, friends and the wider Keyham community.
17 August 2021
11.30am: City-wide service to bring Plymouth together
A church service is being held on Wednesday (18 August) to remember those who lost their lives in the Keyham tragedy last week.
The Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend Nick McKinnel will be leading the service at 10.30am at the Minister Church, of St Andrews, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2AD.
The service will include readings and prayers led by representatives of the Keyham community and civic and local religious leaders.
Residents from across Plymouth are invited to attend the service in person or online in order to join together for a time of reflection and prayer for the victims, their families, friends and the wider Keyham community.
Space inside the Church is limited but there will be big screens set-up outside to enable as many people as possible to attend.
The service will be also be livestreamed online at: https://youtu.be/JNtDRcIz9eE
During the service, candles will be lit to remember each of the five victims and those watching outside or online will also be invited to also light a candle or lay flowers.
Bishop Nick said: “My hope is that this service will give the opportunity for those of us from across the city to stand with the people of Keyham in expressing our shock and sadness at the events of last Thursday, and to have time and space for prayer and reflection in the aftermath of this tragedy.”
Councillor Terri Beer, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, added:
“There are no words to express the sorrow that we currently all feel, it is therefore important that we all stand united with our fellow residents in Keyham.
“This service will be a moment for us to come together as a city, remember those we have tragically lost and show the rest of the world how strong we are.
“Plymouth is a strong, resolute city. And even in the face of unimaginable horror, we will pull together and support Keyham over the coming weeks, months and years.”
See a copy of the order of service.
FINAL - LM Keyham Memorial order of service 0821 TO PRINT.pdf
FINAL - LM Keyham Memorial order of service 0821 TO PRINT.pdf
16 August 2021
5pm: British Fireworks Championships update
The British Firework Championships will take place this week and they will be dedicated to those who lost their lives so tragically in Keyham.
And in a special tribute to the victims, Maxine Davison, Sophie Martyn, Lee Martyn, Stephen Washington and Kate Shepherd, five heart-shaped fireworks will be set off at 9.15pm on Wednesday and Thursday evening.
Leader of the Council Councillor Nick Kelly said: “We have thought long and hard about whether the event should go ahead or not but after listening to many people’s views we’ve decided to dedicate these two nights to the victims.
“We’ve also spoken to members of the community in Keyham to get their views.
“We know the firework championships are something children, in particular, love. It is an event that brings joys to thousands and it brings Plymouth Together.”
Everyone in attendance is invited to shine a light from their phones during the one-minute silence that will be held before the five individual fireworks are launched to signify each life lost during the recent tragic event in Keyham.
This will be followed by a minute-long round of applause in memory of Maxine, Sophie, Lee, Stephen and Kate to celebrate their lives.
There will also be opportunities for visitors to make a donation to support the families and communities affected.
Three 10-minute firework displays will then take place each day, beginning at 9.30pm. We are asking people across the city not to set off any of their own fireworks this week and instead attend our planned display.
As well as speaking to members of the community, event organisers have consulted with the local MP Luke Pollard and ward councillors.
The championships have taken every year since 1997 (apart from last year because of the pandemic) and the event is synonymous with Plymouth. It is an opportunity to come together as a community and shows the very best of our city.
The event takes place on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August.
11.30am - Council members and staff join civic dignitries on the steps of the Guildhall for a minutes silence in tribute to the five victims of Thursdays terrible tragedy
Minute silence guildhall
Minute silence guildhall
10.30am As the city of Plymouth comes together to reflect on the tragedy in Keyham - Cllr Nick Kelly sends a message to local communities.
15 August 2021
1.50pm - Join Keyham and the City of Plymouth in silence this Monday
Plymouth is inviting the country to join in a one-minute silence on Monday 16 August 2021 at 11am, in remembrance of the five people who lost their lives during the Keyham shooting and in support of their families and loved ones, and all those who have been affected.
The Lord Mayor of Plymouth would like to invite everyone across the UK to mark the silence at home, at work or when they are out and about.
Those who wish to observe the silence with others, can join civic leaders, key representatives from across the city and council staff, outside The Guildhall on Armada Way from 10.30am.
Councillor Terri Beer, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “The outpouring of love and kindness for Keyham over the past 48 hours has been overwhelming. Across the country we have seen how everyone is distraught by what has happened.
“To show the families of the victims and the wider community that we all stand with them at this difficult time, I invite everyone in the UK to join us in a minute’s silence.
“We all need to come together and support Keyham to recover from this tragedy. This will be a moment for us to unite, reflect and remember those we have lost.”
Books of condolence are still available for people to sign at:
St Mark's Church in Sanctuary Close, Ford from 9am to 5pm
The Council House, Armada Way 10am to 4pm
Ford Primary School, Cambridge Road from 9 am until 5pm.
For those who are unable to visit these venues, or who live outside the city there is an online book of condolence.
13 August 2021
5.30pm - Update on the Hatchling
Following the tragic incident in Keyham on Thursday evening, the thoughts of Plymouth City Council and Trigger, producers of The Hatchling, are with the people of Plymouth and all those affected by this awful event.
We have been reflecting today on the best way for us as a partnership to respond to this situation and have decided, with the full support of Arts Council England, that as a mark of respect to the community and families involved, we will not go ahead with the planned performance of The Hatchling this weekend.
We understand that this will be disappointing for the many performers and community groups that have been involved in creating The Hatchling and those planning to greet her, and are discussing opportunities to bring it back to the city when it is appropriate.
5.00pm - Council leader visits the scene to pay his respects
5pm - A minute's silence - Plymouth pays its respects
A minute’s silence will be held in Plymouth on Monday morning as a mark of respect to those who have lost their lives in the senseless tragedy that has taken place within our city.
The silence will take place at 11am and is one of a number of tributes being made in Plymouth as the city unites to mourn and reflect on last night’s devastating events.
We will be lighting Smeaton’s Tower tonight in honour of the victims and our flags are already flying at half-mast.
Floral tributes are being laid at the junction of Wolseley Road and Henderson Place, outside the Lidl supermarket.
Our local churches and community groups have wrapped their arms around this community at this difficult time and are also welcoming in people who want to pay their respects and pause for reflection.
Books of condolence are available for people to sign at:
• St Mark's Church in Sanctuary Close, Ford from 9am to 5pm
• St Thomas Church in Royal Navy Road, Keyham will open from 6pm to 7.45 pm tonight and then 9am to 11am on Sunday
• The Council House, Armada Way from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and 10am to 4pm on Sunday
• Ford Primary School, Cambridge Road from 9 am until 5pm.
For those who are unable to visit these venues, or who live outside the city there is an online book of condolence.
There is a vigil tonight at the North Down Crescent Recreation Ground (organised by Keyham Neighbourhood Community Group) at 9pm.
A number of church services are also being planned.
St Thomas Church will be holding a Requiem Mass led by Father David at 6pm tonight to remember those who have died.
A civic service led by the Bishop of Plymouth will be held at the Minister Church of St Andrew on Wednesday.
We will aim to keep people updated with events on our newsroom on our social media channels
1pm - Joint statement by Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition
Leader of Plymouth City Council Councillor Nick Kelly said: “Plymouth is a city in shock today. This is a city with a reputation for being friendly, for being safe.
“Details of what happened last night are still emerging and it will be some time before we know the whole story, but we do know that Plymouth people have a history of coming together to support each other.
"Our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this awful tragedy and those who may have witnessed this distressing event. We are mourning with them.
"We are already working closely with our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police and organisations such as Livewell, Barnado’s, the Red Cross and other volunteer organisations to offer support for grieving families and the close-knit community of Keyham.
"I will be visiting Keyham today to meet with the local community and express my condolences.
"But we know that events of this scale will ripple across our city and it is truly heartening to see community venues and churches have opened their doors so that people can talk and share their thoughts and for reflection. They are
- Ford Park Primary School
- St Thomas Church
- Keyham Methodist Community Centre
- St Mark’s Church
"Our flags are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in this appalling situation.
As a mark of respect for the victims, tonight we will also be lighting Smeaton’s Tower – a beacon of light – on a very dark, dark day for Plymouth."
Leader of the Opposition Councillor Tudor Evans OBE added: “The whole city is united in its shock and grief over this horrendous event and our thoughts go out to all those who are affected.
“This is so, so tragic. We will all work together to do all we can to help people come to terms with this truly shocking episode.”
There is a 24-hour Victim Support helpline on 0808 1689111 for anyone affected.
10am - Statement from Councillor Terri Beer, Lord Mayor of Plymouth
The Lord Mayor of Plymouth has expressed her shock and sadness after last night’s devastating incident in Plymouth.
Councillor Terri Beer said: “Like everyone else in Plymouth, I am struggling to come to terms with the shocking and upsetting events that happened last night in our city.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost loved ones last night and we mourn for your devastating loss.
“I would also like to give special thanks to our emergency services for their quick response to this incident.”
#PlymouthTogether
9am - Statement from Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council
“I was shocked and saddened about last night’s awful events and like everyone else in Plymouth struggled to take in how this has happened in a city such as ours.
“Today our city is mourning and my heart goes out to all those who are directly affected by this incident. While we do not yet have all the details, we know that this is a harrowing tragedy that will have an impact not just on the victims’ families, but people living in this neighbourhood and the wider city.
“I would like to pay special tribute to all our city’s emergency services, who responded to swiftly and professionally.
“We are waiting for more detail from the police and so I do not wish to speculate on events, but know this - we are on hand to offer support.”
For more information about the incident, please go to the Devon and Cornwall Police website.
12 August 2021
10pm - Initial statement
An awful tragedy has happened in our city tonight. While we don’t know all of the details, our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible incident. We would reiterate the Devon & Cornwall Police appeal not to speculate or share pictures on social media.