THE Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, led condolences from the people of York and expressed his "absolute horror" at the tragedy in America.

He said he had offered prayers for all those caught up in the "sheer terror and violence".

"I want the people of New York to know that the people of York are with them, and that the peace of Christ may be with them in their terrible suffering."

Dr Hope visited New York City 18 months ago and has forged a link with the church of St Thomas' Fifth Avenue.

Lord Mayor of York Councillor Irene Waudby said: "Like millions of people across the world I am shocked and horrified at the terrorist attacks in the United States.

"We can barely imagine the death and terror which these attacks have brought to thousands of innocent people in New York and other American cities as well as the crew and passengers of the hijacked aeroplanes. I am sure I can speak for everyone in York in publicly expressing our condolences to the American people."

Updated: 08:48 Wednesday, September 12, 2001