Family of Brit roadie Nick Alexander killed in Bataclan terror attack return to Paris to mark third anniversary

The family of a music-loving Brit killed at a rock concert during the Paris terror attacks three years ago have returned to the city for a commemorative service in honour of the victims.

Nick Alexander died aged 35 when he was working as a roadie at an Eagles of Death Metal gig at the Bataclan theatre, which was targeted during the co-ordinated Islamic State attacks on November 13, 2015.

Mr Alexander, from Essex, was shot in the stomach and chest in the attack.

Outside the concert hall, where 90 people were gunned down, the names of those who died were read out on Tuesday.

Zoe Alexander, his sister, was in Paris today with parents Sheelagh and Barry for the commemoration.

She described her brother, who lived in Notting Hill, as a “larger than life character” and a “bright star”.

She said: “He was all of our best friends.”

She said of the memorial service: “It was incredibly significant for us to come back to Paris. It’s part of our story, so for us coming over here is part of the commemoration. It’s a very healing process to be in the city.

“It’s different [three years on]. I wouldn’t say it’s easier. It’s a path we are still on. It’s a long process. The city feels different to how it felt the first year. Then it was still on high alert. It’s really important that life moves forward.”

Mr Alexander’s name was the second to be read out on Tuesday at the service, which was also attended by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

His sister recalled hearing of the attack while at home in the UK. “I watched it live on the news, like the rest of the country, but I knew that Nick was in there,” she said. “From that point on, your whole life changes in a split second.

“We are very proud of Nick. It was important to hear his name read out.”

All the Alexander family spoke with Mr Khan.

“He took a long time to find out about Nick, and who Nick was,” his sister said.

After Mr Alexander's death, an annual concert named 'A Peaceful Noise' was launched to raise money for charity in his memory.

A total of 130 people were killed and more than 400 were injured during the attacks, which began with suicide blasts outside the Stade de France during a soccer match attended by then President Francois Hollande and continued with several mass shootings and a suicide bombing at cafes and restaurants in the city.

Some 90 people were shot in the Bataclan when three gunmen entered at 9.40pm and began firing at the crowd.

Two died when they detonated suicide vests and one was shot by police.

The venue was shut for a year following the tragedy and was reopened with a performance by Sting.

Suicide bombers struck outside the Stade de France, during an international football match, while restaurants and bars were also targeted in the six coordinated attacks.

The majority of attackers killed themselves and others were killed by police during the incident, while one suspect was arrested in Belgium in the aftermath and is facing trial over his alleged involvement.