In a special report New Journal reporters look at how two communities are dealing with the grief and fear caused by shock murders

A COMMUNITY united in grief at an emotional service for murdered mother and daughter Nicole Batten and Ukleigha Batten-Froggat on Tuesday night.
More than 200 friends, neighbours and relatives gathered in the cold and dark, holding candles outside Levita House, the Camden Council block where Nicole and Ukleigha lived and died in Ossulston Street, Somers Town.
Father Rob Wickham, of St Mary’s Church in nearby Eversholt Street, led the crowd in prayer in front of a home made shrine, which was covered in dozens of bouquets of flowers, cards and soft toys left by those who knew and loved the young family.
He said: “It is so incredibly difficult to come to terms – now is the time to come together to remember them.
“When faced with a tragedy such as this one we can throw our hands in the air at the complete despair of it all and ask why do we bother?
“What is the point of looking out for one and other when someone can take it all away?
“Or we can react in terms of great resolve to love one another, to look after one another, to be with one another in a sense of peace and love.”
Calling for a minute’s silence, he joked that it was something that Somers Town – one of the most deprived wards in the country – rarely enjoyed.
He said: “As we mourn together and remember Nicole and Ukleigha, we remember how each and every one of us has someone to say I love you to.
“Communities are made when people say thank-you.
“Let’s think of all our friends, our neighbours, those that we don’t like very much and let’s remember them before God.
“Take those candles home and light them to remember tonight.
“Use those words that are so difficult; I’m sorry, thank-you and I love you.”
The message of togetherness was reinforced by the Batten family and close friends. Nicole’s brother Jason told those gathered they would all be welcome at the funeral, which is yet to be arranged.
Police have not yet released the bodies and say it may be months before they can do so. Mr Batten said: “It is clear from how many people are here that Nicole was loved and was one of you.”
Close friend Sandra Jawahall won enthusiastic applause when she said: “I used to plead with Nicole to change her life, but I never wanted it to happen like this.
“This is good today with everybody coming out but I hope it goes further and we respect each other more and spend less time chatting about each other and more time comforting each other.”
A trio of African drummers pointed to the heavens as they played at the beginning and end of the ceremonies.
Pal Jackie Riley said: “They will dance in heaven again.
“Nicole taught me how to dance – I love her for that.
“The little girl is a star and she is shining now.”

Victim Brian Messitt was brutally killed with an axe, which can be seen to the right of his body

AXE murder victim Brian Messitt travelled the world visiting India and Tibet, neighbours said.
Mr Messitt’s grief-stricken son Sean and his girlfriend returned to the family home in Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon accompanied by a family support officer from Scotland Yard.
A family statement said: “Brian was an average, peaceful and polite pensioner. During his past time he enjoyed long walks in nature, reading, football and telling funny stories. Our feelings for him are that of affection and respect. Our whole family is in disbelief and terrible shock.”
They renewed an appeal for privacy and are only taking calls from close friends and relatives. Sean Messitt told the New Journal: “We don’t have anything else to say at the moment. Please bear with us.”
Neighbours said Brian Messitt, 67, stayed at the flat intermittently – his previous home is thought to have been in West Hampstead – often leaving the country for months at a time on trips abroad.
Louise Clapham, 85, who heard the news from her son, said: “I’m horrified. Brian has always been very kind to me. He was a good neighbour who was always there if you needed him and would always help if he could.” Journalist Michael Griffin, another resident in the block, said he had first met Mr Messitt through a shared interest in writing – before Mr Messitt moved into the house.
He said: “Brian was a photographer and a writer but I am not sure if he had ever been published. He spent a lot of time writing. I think he was interested in the beat poets, like William Burroughs, and that kind of writing.
“When I spoke to Brian he was talking about spiritual journeys to India – going to Tibet and other spiritual areas. His youthful experience to my knowledge was in Paris and he was also a photographer in the King’s Road.”
Mr Griffin also attacked speculation in the media about Mr Messitt’s lifestyle as “salacious gossip” that was unfair to the memory of his friend.
He said: “It is wrong that they are trashing his reputation.”