Sri Lanka attack victims: Retired British firefighter and wife killed in Sri Lanka terror attack

A heroic firefighter and his wife are have been named among the eight Britons killed in a terror attack in Sri Lanka.

Retired Billy Harrop, from Manchester, had been celebrated for his heroism during the Manchester IRA bombing attack, and had been holidaying with his wife, Sally, before a series of bomb attacks hit.

The couple both died on Easter Sunday following the blasts.

The 56-year-old former borough commander for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has been described as a “real character”, as tributes pour in.

He had been officially commended for his heroism during the IRA bombings in 1996.

News of the couple's death has been hailed as "devastating" by a friend.

Assistant County Fire Officer Dave Keelan, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, paid tribute to his former colleague.

He said: "This is devastating news and the thoughts of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with Bill and Sally's families.

"Bill served here for 30 years, retiring at the end of 2012. He was a much a loved and respected colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed."

Mr Harrop was also travelling with his son, Gavin, who survived the blasts in Sri Lanka. It is thought he and his family recently emmigrated to Australia and was in Sri Lanka for a holiday.

Kev Brown, former Fire Brigades Union secretary, told the newspaper: "Billy was a former pupil of Sale Grammar School, was well known in the brigade, and was a real character.

"He led the Philips Park team in response to the IRA bomb in Manchester 1996 and received a commendation for his actions in the incident."

At least 290 people were killed in the explosions and more than 500 were wounded. Of those, at least eight Brits are believed to have been killed.

A British mother and her two young children were earlier named as some of the victims.

Anita Nicholson, son Alex, 14, and daughter Annabel, 11, were having breakfast at the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo when one of the seven suicide bombers struck.

Mrs Nicholson's husband Ben confirmed they had been killed in a statement on Monday afternoon.

He said: "Anita was a wonderful, perfect wife and a brilliant, loving and inspirational mother to our two wonderful children.

"Alex and Annabel were the most amazing, intelligent, talented and thoughtful children and Anita and I were immensely proud of them both and looking forward to seeing them develop into adulthood.

"They shared with their mother the priceless ability to light up any room they entered and bring joy to the lives of all they came into contact with."

Local media reported Mr Nicholson desperately searching for his family after the blast.

He thanked Sri Lankan medics, the British High Commission and holiday company Adhvan Tours for helping him over the past 36 hours.

He said all three would have died instantly with no pain.

The family had been visiting Sri Lanka for a holiday from their home in Singapore. Mrs Nicholson worked for mining and metals company Anglo American, while Mr Nicholson is a partner with law firm Kennedys.

No group has claimed the attacks, but Sri Lankan officials have named little-known Islamic extremist organisation National Thowfeek Jamaath.

The seven suicide bombers were all Sri Lankan citizens but the group is believed to have links with foreign terrorist networks.