Boston Bombings: Families Mark First Anniversary

Relatives of those killed in the Boston bombings have taken part in ceremonies marking the first anniversary of the deadly attack.

The families of Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell and Lu Lingzi, along with relatives of MIT police officer Sean Collier, were joined by Vice President Joe Biden and other dignitaries for a day of tributes.

The events began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the site where two blasts occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.

Three people were killed and more than 260 injured when the two pressure cooker bombs exploded.

Officer Collier was killed in the aftermath of the attack, as police and federal agents attempted to track down the two suspects.

Survivors of the twin blasts were joined by Mr Biden and former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino at Hynes Convention Center for an event honouring the victims and first responders.

Mr Menino said: "Even though the memories still bring tears to our eyes and heartaches for those who were lost, it's still a comfort to be here with family and friends who got us through that tragic day."

Patrick Downes, who lost his lower left leg in the bombings, described the sense of community that emerged among those injured in the attacks.

"We should have never met this way, but we are so grateful for each other," he said.

Mr Biden praised the "pure courage" of the victims' family members, saying they served as an inspiration for other Americans dealing with loss and tragedy.

Afterwards, the crowd gathered outside for a moment of silence and a flag-raising ceremony at 2.49pm local time, to mark the moment the two devices exploded along Boylston Street.

In a statement issued by the White House, President Barack Obama said: "Today, we recognize the incredible courage and leadership of so many Bostonians in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.

"And we offer our deepest gratitude to the courageous firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, runners and spectators who, in an instant, displayed the spirit Boston was built on - perseverance, freedom and love."

One man who was hailed a hero for helping those hurt in the blasts spoke to reporters just before the wreath-laying ceremony.

"You can see how the whole community gathered together to support them and remember," Carlos Arredondo said.

Authorities say two brothers planned and orchestrated the attacks.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, died following a shoot-out with police several days after the bombings.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 20, is awaiting a November trial on 30 federal charges, including using a weapon of mass destruction. Prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty.

The ceremonies marking the anniversary come as marathoners pour into Boston to take part in the city's 118th marathon on Monday.

Mr Biden noted the significance of the upcoming race, saying it sends a "resounding message" to people around the world and to terrorists that Americans "never yield".

He said: "We are Boston. We are America. We overcome and we own the finish line."