A MINUTE'S silence was held in Bradford for everyone affected by the horrific earthquake in the Middle East, which has now claimed at least 24,000 lives.

Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love, led the event in Centenary Square yesterday, paying respects to the victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake

He was joined by faith leaders and representatives from West Yorkshire Police, amongst others.

The death toll from the devastating quake, which has also injured at least 87,000 people, is only expected to increase.

There has been an outpouring of grief across the world, including in Bradford.

Local figures described the incident as "beyond horrific", while an 11-year-old boy from the city will raise money for the victims with a 5k run in Lister Park this morning.