THE parents of Tim Parry who was killed in the Warrington bombing have paid tribute to the lead singer of The Cranberries who released a song in their son's memory.

Dolores O’Riordan was in London for a recording session when she died suddenly at the age of 46 on Monday.

Her death is being treated as unexplained.

Wendy and Colin Parry's 12-year-old son Tim was killed alongside three-year-old Johnathan Ball in 1993 when two IRA bombs exploded in the town centre.

The Cranberries recorded the single Zombie in 1994 in memory of the two boys. To watch the music video click here.

Wendy Parry, 60, said: “It is extremely sad to hear the news about Dolores O’Riordan passing away at such a young age. 

"I remember The Cranberries writing a song after the Warrington bombing which I believe went to number one in Australia, Belgium, France, Denmark and Germany, and won the Best Song at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 1995. 

"Twenty-five years on and the song still resonates and carries a powerful message. 

"Dolores would have only been in her early 20s at the time of the Warrington bombing, but old enough to have witnessed the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’ and the hurt many families suffered including our own.  
"Both Colin and I send all our thoughts to her family at this difficult time."

Colin also tweeted: "I'm saddened to hear of the death of Dolores O'Riordan at just 46.

"Her wonderful band recorded a moving song after the Warrington bomb in memory of two innocent victims, Johnathan Ball and my son Tim. RIP Dolores."

The Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, which was set up by Wendy and Colin in the wake of the tragedy, has been named as the Warrington Guardian’s charity of the year ahead of the 25th anniversary of the IRA attack in March.

Over the next 12 months we will go behind the scenes to show the vital work of the foundation and those who have dedicated their lives to bringing about change in a series of features published throughout the year.

From the staff who have helped victims to overcome trauma and learn to cope with the grief to the heart-breaking journey of two parents who have vowed to help and support others after coming to terms with the tragic death of their son.

The work of the foundation brings staff into contact with a range of people from young people susceptible to extremism, veterans of conflict and their families as well as survivors and witnesses to acts of terrorism and violent conflict.

We will be telling the stories of those who have been supported by the charity.  We also want to hear from readers who were affected by the Warrington bombing and their memories of that fateful day.

Email lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk or call 596313.