BURY'S Pakistani community has held vigils and fell silent in prayer in memory of more than 130 children and staff killed in the terrorist atrocity in Peshawar.

People across the town have been uniting over their grief at the murder committed by the Pakistani Taliban, which left 132 children and 10 staff dead at the Army Public School.

Liaqat Ali, chairman of the Islamic Centre, in Church Street, said that there were a number of families in Bury who had relatives caught up in the massacre.

He said: "We are heartbroken, because we do have some people who are connected to the families, and we are in shock and horrified to see what has happened.

"We have held a number of vigils, and we are praying for those affected. The community has been very subdued."

The incident has also led to Bury North MP David Nuttall suggesting that the death penalty should be reintroduced, if a "similar evil" was to happen in Britain.

Speaking during business questions in the House of Commons last week, Mr Nuttall said: "The whole House will be united in condemnation of the massacre at the school in Peshawar.

"Following this atrocity, the government in Pakistan has announced the reintroduction of the death penalty.

"If, God forbid, a similar evil was to be committed in this country there would be calls for the reintroduction of capital punishment.

"So can we please have a debate about what steps will be required to reintroduce the death penalty in the United Kingdom?"

However in response, William Hague, leader of the Commons, said that the UK opposed the death penalty in all circumstances.

He replied: "I know the whole House will join you in wanting to remark at the horror of what happened and the slaughter of children.

"Even for those of us used to hearing about terrorist events and attacks, this particular atrocity has been a heart rending thing to hear about.

Mr Hague continued: "On the question of the death penalty, that is a matter for Pakistan in Pakistan.

"But it is the position of the United Kingdom to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances.

"It is open to you and others to try to bring about a debate on this subject but my judgment is this House has passed the point where it will be possible to reintroduce the death penalty."

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which has led to the country's Government lifting a moratorium on executions in terrorism-related cases.

But Mr Ali said he had no desire to see the same happen in this country.

He said: "The situation is very different in Pakistan, because the justice system is not as good as in this country.

"If you hang someone and find out they are innocent, there is nothing you can do, which is why I am not in favour of it."