Peshawar massacre: Queen offers 'heartfelt condolences' to bereaved families

The monarch said that she was ‘particularly saddened that so many of the victims were children’

The Queen has shared her sympathies with those who have been left bereft, following the Peshawar massacre in Pakistan.

The monarch sent a message of condolence to the President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain on behalf of herself and the Duke of Edinburgh.

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the tragic loss of life in Peshawar,” she wrote. “On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, Prince Philip and I wish to convey to you and to the people of Pakistan our deepest sympathy.

“As fellow members of the Commonwealth, we place so much emphasis on young people and the hope they inspire across the world. I am particularly saddened that so many of the victims were children and their teachers, struck down at their place of learning.”

The brutal attack – which was carried out on Tuesday by the Pakistan Taliban - resulted in the deaths of 132 children and nine staff members. The Army Public School was stormed by seven members of Tehrik-e-Taliban, wearing army uniform and suicide vests, who launched a shooting spree.

The Queen added that her “thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died”.

“I wish the many who were injured a swift and full recovery, and my heartfelt condolences go to all those who have been bereaved,” she concluded, signing the message “Elizabeth R”.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban said that the act was revenge for a military campaign called Zarb-e-Azb against the TTP in the North Waziristan tribal area, which has left an estimated 1,000 militants dead.