THE Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace has issued advice about how to talk to children about the Warrington bombing ahead of the 25th anniversary.

Parents are encouraged to open up about the harrowing attack rather than avoiding the issue – families should not shy away from talking about tragic events according to the peace foundation.

You should avoid including ‘nasty’ details, but give children basic facts and tell them what it is they want to know.

While turning off the television and radio might be a natural protective instinct, shielding children from traumatic events in the news isn’t practical in today’s society. 

Try to help children manage their emotions.

Helpful phrases include ‘it’s absolutely awful, but thank goodness it’s extremely rare’ and ‘security is going to be tightened even more’.

If faced with the question 'could this happen again?' tell the truth, but also provide lots of reassurance.

Parents are encouraged to say:

"Of course, it could but it’s very unlikely, these are very, very rare events.

"We have to carry on living our lives in a normal way and not be cowed by these bad people."

Nick Taylor, chief executive of the foundation, said: "People in Warrington under the age of 25, or even older, may not remember the terrorist attacks in 1993.

"The bombing killed two children, Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball.

"Their ages, the method of the attack, and the impact it had on the town and across the world means that at the 25th anniversary a significant amount of attention will be given in the news and on social media and in conversation.

"Terrorism is a crime against society, and as the threat level indicates, the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the UK from international terrorism is severe.

"There is now a great deal of awareness of the risks and consequences about those who use violence to threaten our way of life. 

"Northern Ireland-related conflict is less in the public eye, and for some in Great Britain, they have little contact with or knowledge of ‘the troubles’ on our islands.

"The threat to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) from Northern Ireland-related terrorism is moderate, and while the same is not true for the people of Northern Ireland, time has passed, and post-conflict it may mean that some people, particularly children, need to be supported through the anniversary period, given the intensity of the news coverage and the emotion created by the anniversary ceremony."

For more information click here or for the latest information on the anniversary service tomorrow click here.