A SILENT vigil was held in Aberystwyth to remember the 49 people who were killed by a gunman in a gay nightclub the USA.

The vigil on Owain Glyndwr Square was attended by between 80 and 100 people from a broad section of the community and around 10 police officers who attended wore rainbow colours on their uniforms.

The group stood in silence for 15 minutes to remember the victims and also raised £250 for their families.

Forty-nine people were killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the early hours of Sunday, 12 June. Another 53 people were injured in the shooting, which police have described as an act of terrorism.

The gunman, Omar Mateen, was shot dead by police. His alleged links to ISIS are being investigated.

Ruth Fowler, a member of staff at Aberystwyth University who organised the vigil, said it was an opportunity to mourn, reflect and unify the community.

She said: “I have been deeply shocked and affected by the shootings that took place."

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