COLCHESTER man Nick Alexander has been named as one the 129 people killed in the Paris attacks.

The 36-year-old had been selling merchandise for rock band Eagles of Death Metal when their concert was targeted by attackers, who shot people and took hostages in the venue before blowing themselves up as police stormed the concert hall.

His friend Helen Wilson told the Telegraph how she and Nick lay down on the floor when up to six people with machine guns and shotguns began to shoot.

She said someone moved and the attackers turned to them and fired shots.

Miss Wilson, who was shot in the leg during the attack, said she tried to give Mr Alexander mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

She said: “Then he couldn't breathe anymore and I held him in my arms and told him I loved him. He was the love of my life.”

In a statement his family said: "Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle, he was everyone's best friend - generous, funny and fiercely loyal.

“Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world.

“Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.”

Mr Alexander's girlfriend Polina Buckley has she posted pictures of the pair on Twitter, writing: “You are and always will be the love of my life, Nick Alexander”, and “Sleep tight, my sweet prince, Nick Alexander.”

Nick used to run a monthly club night at Colchester Arts Centre.

Speaking to the BBC, director Anthony Roberts said: “He was the creator, instigator, DJ and the personality of the club night.

Gazette:

                     Flowers and tributes are left close to the Bataclan

                                 concert hall (picture PA)

“He was a particularly lively and driven character and had a lot of charm, but could back it up by being clever.”

Nick had been part of the Africa Express music project, founded by Blur's Damon Albarn and writer and campaigner Ian Birrell, when it toured Britain in 2012.

He sold merchandise on the trip and was described by Mr Birrell as "a hero".

He tweeted: “He loved music, lived with a smile on his face, died a hero.”

A witness in the Bataclan said one of the gunmen shouted "Allahu Akbar" and said "This is for Syria". Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the atrocities.

 Drummer Patrick Carney from American rock band The Black Keys told Rolling Stone: “I spent a lot of time with Nick, but the thing about the touring merch job, it's one of the more thankless jobs.

“You do it because you just want to travel and you're interested in meeting new people and it's really hard work. It's not the job you take if you're into partying.

“He was a really organised, super-hard worker, really funny. I remember him always very content with being on tour.

“It was what seems to make him the happiest. After shows, when everyone would go wild or whatever, he would also be really reserved. He was just a sweetheart, that guy.

“I remember he looked more like a rock star than anyone else on the tour, in the best possible sense.

“He never complained. He was more interested in touring than anybody else that was on tour at any given point."

Gazette:

        Flowers have been left outside the French Embassy in London (Picture PA)

Carney's Black Keys bandmate Dan Auerbach told Rolling Stone that Mr Alexander lived for rock and roll.

“He was always there, really nice guy, always with his mod haircut and his big smile. He was just a really nice guy. Always. Just loved rock and roll.

“He was just an absolute rock and roll guy. Lived for it.”

The singer Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) tweeted: “Just read Nick Alexander was killed in Paris. He was our tour merchandiser on last year's tour. Sending love & condolences to his family.”

Several attacks took place in central Paris. There were further incidents near to the Stade de France.

British nationals are being advised by the Foreign Office to exercise caution in public places and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Members of the public who have been directly affected by the incidents in Paris, or who are concerned about family members and friends who may be directly affected, should call 020 7008 0000.

If you knew Nick and would like to make a tribute please send them to samantha.mordi@nqe.com