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Co-Pilot's Hometown 'Sad' Under Media Spotlight

Co-Pilot's Hometown 'Sad' Under Media Spotlight

Single candles placed discreetly in neat gardens indicate expressions of sympathy in the pretty German town of Montabaur.

Had it not been for the droves of camera crews however - you would hardly notice that this was the home town of co-pilot Andreas Lubitz .

In the shops and cafes you can hear people speaking quietly about the media presence in this little, part-medieval place but there's not much conversation about him.

"Do you think the outside world will associate us with him?" asks one shop assistant who prefers not to be named and studiously avoids mention of THAT name.

The town's mayor too chooses not to utter the word "Lubitz".

In a brief statement, Edmund Schaaf said: "Our hearts and minds go to all victims and their relatives. We ask the media to respect the privacy of the family. There will be no further statements."

Montabaur is dominated by a striking castle painted yellow. It overlooks the attractive hillside town which feels as though it can't wait to shake off winter.

These are the streets that Lubitz walked. These are the shops and bars where he spent his time and money. He grew up here and they know him but they're deeply reluctant to discuss him.

Cafe waitress Simona Nardelli offers the slightest glimpse of the man she served regularly.

"He was just a normal guy. He drank his cappuccino. Nothing else."

She's more keen to talk about the media presence.

"Its sad there is so much journalistic interest in the family now," she said.

Spring is coming and Montabaur needs to move on.