HUNDREDS of workers, shoppers and dignitaries in the borough took part in a national two-minute silence to remember those killed and injured in the London bombings.

Basingstoke came to a standstill to reflect on recent events in the wake of terrorist attacks on three London Underground tube trains and a London bus.

More than 50 people were killed and about 700 injured when four suicide bombers caused widespread panic and havoc in the capital city on July 7.

Passengers and staff at Basingstoke railway station joined together to observe the silence.

Just before noon, the shutters went down at ticket kiosks and staff moved onto the platforms.

Trains came to a halt and passengers bowed their heads as silence came over the usually busy station.

After an impeccably-observed two minutes, the station announcer thanked the public for their participation and trains started to roll again.

The corridors of the town's shopping centres also came to a standstill as shoppers and workers observed the silence in and around Festival Place.

People throughout the shopping centre stopped in their tracks following a customer announcement alerting them that the tribute was about to begin.

The entire shopping centre fell silent and people stood with their heads bowed in respect.

Even those sitting in restaurants and coffee shops put down their snacks and drinks, stood and lowered their heads in a moment of thought and respect.

Shopkeepers lined up outside their stores. Some even briefly pulled down their shutters.

In one of the biggest gatherings, more than 200 people paid their respects at the war memorial outside Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's offices.

Councillor Paula Baker, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Gordon Holdcroft, chief executive of the council, and Inspector Julian Waller, of Basingstoke police, were present, along with council staff and members of the public.

After the two-minute silence, Cllr Baker said she was pleased with the number of people who had attended.

"It was good to see so many council staff and members of the public there," she said.

"It showed that the events in London touched all of us.

"I was really shocked when I heard the news.

"Many people have told me how they, or friends and relatives, had been at the places affected the previous day, at the same time.

"We need to send a message that we are not cowed by terrorism."

First published: Monday, July 18, 2005