Families from Nottingham have been describing their relief at escaping the terrorist attack on Marhaba beach in Sousse in which 38 people were killed.
Eighteen Britons have been confirmed dead but it’s thought the final number killed could reach 30. The assault is now the biggest loss of British life to terrorism since the London bombing in 2005.
Sarah Farooq who was born in Nottingham but now lives in Derbyshire was in Sousse on a family holiday, travelling with her husband and two children.
They were at the Marhaba beach a week before the terror attack. Sarah said they were fortunate to escape the attack.
My children were on that beach just 7 days prior to the attacks made my blood run cold.
I had goosebumps and felt really upset, I cannot justify risking my families safety for the sake of a holiday.
The Farooq family decided to go to Sousse due to the good reviews that it had attracted. It was well known to be a good resort especially for families.
Sarah said: “We chose Port El Kanteoui as it has a good reputation as a family resort, which it was, the people were beautiful and we said that we would definitely return. But unfortunately after this we will not be returning to any muslim country for a long time.
I know we shouldn’t let the terrorists win by avoiding this beautiful country but as parents our children’s safety is the most important thing to us.
Joshua Taylor a media and film studies student from Nottingham Trent University had been in Sousse on a ten day family holiday and left The Royal Kenz Hotel the day before the attacks took place.
His family had booked to go Egypt but made a last minute change to Sousse due to the difference in price. The Nottingham student has insisted that this attack will not stop him travelling, he said: “it could happen anywhere, anytime but that shouldn’t put people off going abroad.”
Joshua is set to travel to Malaga in the next few days and is confident that this attack will not stop him.