THE British Red Cross in Oxford played a “huge” role in providing support to victims of the attacks in Tunisia.

Support volunteers from the charity are currently aiding the families of victims as their loved ones’ bodies are repatriated to the UK at RAF Brize Norton.

Planes started to bring back the bodies of the 30 Britons killed in the attack this week, with the final five due to arrive home today. Pam Baggaley, senior service manager for emergency response at the Thames Valley branch of the charity, said that a group of 16 volunteers would be on hand all day to provide emotional support.

She said: “An event of this magnitude touches not only those who are directly involved but others who may empathise with those affected so we’re expecting large numbers of people to gather at RAF Brize Norton to show support to those affected.

“Our volunteers are trained in first aid and also in providing emotional support and will also carry with them practical necessities such as bottles of water, to ensure people attending are cared for.”

Michaela Grievers, a response co-ordinator for the Red Cross from Abingdon, said: “It’s so vital that we, as people of Oxfordshire, support the victims of the attacks in Tunisia because it could have been any of us.

“The work we’re doing is exactly what the Red Cross is about – helping the injured, bereaved and their relatives and helping them move on with their lives .”

The British Red Cross is operating a support line for anyone affected by the attacks.

Please call 0203 417 0260.