Hopes fade for missing solicitor

Fiona Stevenson had just returned from volunteer work abroad

The family of a 29-year-old Essex solicitor, missing since the London bomb attacks, are facing up to the likelihood she may have been killed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday they described Fiona Stevenson as vibrant, articulate, caring and generous.

They said if "irreplaceable" Fiona was among the victims, the family and her friends would be devastated.

Fiona left her home in the Barbican at 0820 BST on the day of the bombings and never arrived at work.

An Essex police spokesman said: "Although they still live in hope that she is alive, as the days tick by they are having to face up to the likelihood that she was one of those who so tragically lost their lives."

In a statement issued through the police, her parents, Ian and Emer, of Baddow, and younger sister, Andrea, said: "Fiona always had a strong sense of right and wrong and was passionate about human rights.

Adored diving

"Since the age of 14 she had wanted to be a lawyer and had a long-term ambition to work for the UN so it was no surprise when she qualified in 2000 as a solicitor.

"She had recently put her legal skills to honourable use working voluntarily for four months in Belize, and had only returned to England at the end of May.

"Work did not overshadow the fun-loving side of Fiona who adored diving and whilst in Belize had completed two diving qualifications and a dive in the Blue Hole.

"She also competed in the 180 mile long Ruta Maya four-day kayak race.

"She has been described as articulate, strong-willed, vibrant, energetic, caring, generous and, as her friends and sister always said, she never held a grudge."

The statement adds: "If Fiona's family receive the confirmation that Fiona died in last week's atrocities they and her friends will be devastated by the loss - Fiona is irreplaceable."

Engineer's family appeal

Also among those missing is Giles Hart, 55, a British Telecom engineer from Hornchurch, Essex,

On Wednesday his family appealed for any information about his whereabouts.

In a statement issued through his employer, they said Mr Hart was travelling from Hornchurch to the Angel Islington. He never arrived at work.

The statement said: "His wife, daughter, mother and son are desperate for any news of his whereabouts. They believe he may have been in the Aldgate area when he went missing."