A RETIRED firefighter recognised for his heroism in the 1996 IRA attack on Manchester and his wife were two of the victims killed in the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka.

Bill Harrop, who retired in 2012, and his wife Dr Sally Bradley were staying in the Cinnamon Grand Hotel when one of the seven suicide bombers struck.

Mr Harrop retired from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in 2012 after 30 years as a firefighter and was decorated for his role in the aftermath of the 1996 IRA attack on Manchester.

He had two sons from a previous relationship, Miles and Gavin.

Gavin had been holidaying with them at the time of the blast but was staying at a different hotel.

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-loved and respected colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed."s

The couple had been living in the Australian city of Perth since 2013 where Dr Bradley was practising medicine, but were due to return to the UK soon.

They had bought a retirement home in the Cotswolds, Dr Bradley's nephew Jonathan Bradley said.

He described her as a "true daughter of Manchester" who had worked as a GP in Salford, a director of public health in Manchester and as a consultant.

She was sister to Labour peer Lord Keith Bradley, former MP for Manchester Withington.

Dr Bradley's family said in a statement: "She was the personification of joy that life could bring if you approached it with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. She dedicated her professional life to public service and was a true daughter of Greater Manchester."

Her family added: "Their aim was always to experience life to the fullest.

"Kindred spirits, they travelled the world together, safe in each other's arms and with smiles across their faces.

"They were the heartbeat of their families and the inspiration in their lives. They will be forever sorely missed, but never forgotten."Lord Bradley said: "This immensely tragic event will be something my family will never truly get over. I have lost a sister, who was not only an inspiration to me, but someone that was respected and loved across Greater Manchester.

"Over the last 24 hours I have been inundated with beautiful tributes to a remarkable and wondrous woman. She was truly a bright light in many people's lives.

"The light may have been cruelly distinguished for no reason or justification, but she will always live in our hearts and the memories she provided will be forever cherished.

"I, and my family, will miss her more than words can articulate."