The brother of September 11 terror attack victim Christopher Newton-Carter is urging New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani not to scale down the search for remains.
Christopher, 52, spoke to his brother Mark minutes before the second plane crashed into the World Trade Centre tower where he worked. He was desperate to tell their mother Linda, 86, who lives in Parson Street, Hendon, that he was safe.
They have not heard from him since.
Mark, 50, said Mayor Giuliani was not listening to the firefighters working at the scene or victims' families, following his decision last week to reduce the number of firefighters at the scene to 24 down from 300 three weeks ago.
Officials said the decision was taken because of safety concerns at Ground Zero where there had been several reported accidents, although firefighters' unions claim the decision was economically motivated.
"It is very hard to live with something like this that is unresolved," said Mark. "Even if we didn't have a body, at least we would know, and we would be able to do something, and arrange a funeral that would provide some kind of closure for the whole affair.
"We are still grieving. You cannot help having an element of hope that there is some miracle."
November 6, 2001 12:55
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article