BRIGHTLY coloured ribbons tied carefully around posts on the streets of Didcot have become a symbol of solidarity in the town.

In tribute to murdered Philip Howard, 44, Jan Jordon, 48, daughter Derin, six, neighbours and friends are coiling ribbon around lamp posts and fences in a show of respect and remembrance.

More than 30 of the ribbon tributes have been seen around the town, with hopes that they can become an enduring mark of respect.

The ribbons join dozens of flowers, cards and cuddly toys left near the murder scene in Vicarage Road by not just loved ones, but also by complete strangers compelled to show their grief.

All Saints CoE Primary School, where six-year-old Derin was a pupil, opened its doors to the community and children and their parents lit tea lights in her memory.

Magdalena Chmielowiec, of Hamble Road, visited the school with her daughter Aleksandra and son Szymon.

Six-year-old Aleksandra was in Derin’s Year One class and said: “She was a nice girl. I played with her in the sandpit. I liked Derin.”

Headteacher John Myers, who has been in post for six years, said Derin, known as Dezzy, was a happy little girl just about to finish Year One.

He said: “I was shocked when I heard about the news. It is hard to believe and it is also the manner of it as well.

“To lose any life is an awful thing and to lose a child doubly so, but the nature of this loss is hard to take in.

“Derin was a beautiful little girl, happy, gentle and smiley, a wonderful little character.

“People need a place to gather at times like this, so we decided to open our doors.”

Messages left outside the school included “Dezzy, I will miss you very much” and “to Jan, Phil and Dezzy, sleep well with the angels”.

George Walker, 44, who visited with his sons Jamie and Cameron, said: “You just do not think that things like this can happen in a town like Didcot. It is truly shocking.”

Outside the school gates, newly-elected Didcot Town Mayor Des Healy said the town had been rocked by the murder, but that he hoped people would “overcome”.

Mr Healy added: “People here are stunned and shocked, particularly at the violence involved and particularly towards a child, and as a father and grandfather myself, I share in that.

“I think it’s wonderful that the school has opened up. Didcot is a little town with a big heart and I am sure people will rally around.

“And children are very resilient, they have been playing and are being kept busy.

“I do not think it has really hit home yet, but they will overcome.”

This is the second tragedy to hit Didcot in recent years. Schoolgirl Jayden Parkinson, 17, was murdered by Ben Blakeley just south of Didcot in December 2013.