IRA bomb victim Andy Mudd today offered support to the families of those murdered in the London pub bombings.

Army sergeant Andy Mudd lost both his legs nine years ago after the IRA planted a bomb under the wheel arch of his car in Colchester.

Mr Mudd, who now lives in Yorkshire with his wife, Maggie, and children Jack, seven, and Katy, three, had been stationed in Colchester. The terrorists responsible were never caught.

Mr Mudd said: "When I heard what had happened I felt sick. When I discovered those killed and injured came from Colchester, it began to bring back vivid memories - the noise, smell, pain and the blood. It all came back."

Andrea Dykes, 27, her unborn child, and friend John Light died in the bomb blast which ripped through the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho on Friday night.

Mr Mudd revealed Friday's atrocity brought home how lucky he had been.

"I lost my legs, but not my wife. This young man will have to cope with that. How he will be able to come to terms with his wife and unborn child's deaths, I just don't know."

"I want to make contact with Andrea and John's families, and I would especially like to speak with Julian, but not yet. Maybe in the next six months. But if the family want me, I am here."

He believes the one question they will soon begin to ask will be "why".

"They will be so angry, especially as there never is an answer to that question."

Maggie Mudd had been injured in the IRA blast, but it had been her husband who had taken the full force.

"As I recuperated, I was shown photographs of disabled servicemen taking part in sport. The idea was to show I could still be active. But it was too early."

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