Mother mourns for lost son

Kevin Dennis worked in the World Trade Center

A British woman has described the shock of the death of her son in last week's World Trade Center attacks.

Patricia Bingley's only son, Kevin Dennis, worked for the financial company Cantor Fitzgerald in the north tower of the complex.

The company's offices on the 101st floor were in the area devastated immediately when the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, crashed into the building.

Mrs Bingley, 67, who lives in Clacton, Essex, said she first learnt of the tragedy when she sat down to watch the television while eating a snack.

Patricia Bingley has lost her only son

"I thought it was a film and I wasn't really paying much attention at first but suddenly I knew it was real," Mrs Bingley said.

Stockbroker Mr Dennis, 43, and his American wife Debra had lived in the US since shortly after the birth of their twin sons in 1994.

Mrs Bingley said her son had adored his children, who had been born after IVF treatment.

"I could see when I was out there they'd be all over him and he did idolise them, especially as at one point he didn't think he'd have any children."

Mrs Bingley wept as she recalled the last time she saw the family as she helped them move into a new home in New Jersey just five weeks ago.

She added she had not spoken to her daughter-in-law or grandchildren since the tragedy.

"I can't, I'd just break down and that wouldn't be fair. I know they're suffering as much as we're suffering," she said.

She said she did not feel up to travelling to America, in spite of the British government's pledge to provide financial assistance to bereaved relatives wishing to travel there.