Ridley couple back after Mumbai terrorist attacks

Dec 6 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A NORTH couple who were injured in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai have been flown back to the UK.

Michael and Diane Murphy, both retired teachers from Ridley, Bardon Mill, Northumberland, are in a London hospital after being transferred on a specially chartered flight from India.

Mr Murphy, 59, was shot when gunmen stormed the cafe he was in while on holiday. A bullet struck his ribs as the couple were caught up in the gunfire outside the popular Leopold cafe.

His wife, 58, was shot in the foot and was also hit by shrapnel.

Mr Murphy was taken to hospital and had to have his spleen removed. Last week he was said to be in a critical condition. But he was later taken of the critical list.

The family have three children, Graham, Callum and Heather. Speaking yesterday, Graham, 31, said: “I can confirm that my father has been moved to a hospital in this country, we are still waiting for further information on his condition.”

The family have said the ordeal has been tough and that they have been to see their parents in London.

Terrorists carried out eight separate attacks in the Indian city last Wednesday. More than 150 people were killed and over 300 were injured.

Mr and Mrs Murphy had been in Mumbai for only a day and were due to leave for Goa the following day as part of a five-week tour of India to celebrate their retirement.

Mr Murphy was a teacher at Haydon Bridge High School. Headteacher John Dowler said: “Mike was a long-standing and very highly respected colleague here. He remains a very close friend to us all and he is still involved in the school.

“The whole school community was shocked to hear the news of his involvement in the shooting in the cafe at Mumbai, with Di by his side.

“The thoughts of us all, the school community and the students, are with them both and we wish them a quick and very full recovery.”

Following the attacks Mrs Murphy said: “All of a sudden there was automatic gunfire. The whole place fell apart.

“It was tremendously loud. My husband and I were hit, as were lots of people.

“There were obviously people injured and others who were dead. It was mayhem. There were so many casualties.

“I stayed with my husband because I could tell he was seriously injured. He was losing consciousness.”