A regional daily editor has vowed his title will “never stop” campaigining for justice for the victims of one of the country’s worst terrorist atrocities.

On November 21, 1974, the city of Birmingham was rocked by two IRA bombs which, having been placed in packed city centre pubs, killed 21 people and injured another 182.

The Birmingham Mail marked the 49th anniversary of the attack with a front-page montage showing the faces of those who died on that tragic night, under the headline ‘Denied Justice’ and a strap line which added ‘…But never forgotten’.

With almost half a century having passed, campaigners are still calling for those responsible to face justice and this week joined forces with the Mail to highlight their case.

The front page of the Birmingham Mail on Tuesday which marked the 49th anniversary of the city’s pub bombings by the IRA.

Tuesday’s front page was followed by an inside piece of editorial written by one of the Justice4the21 campaigners, Julie Hambleton who lost a sister in the blasts.

There was also an explainer on why, in 2019, the Crown Prosecution Service dashed hopes of a conviction when it concluded there was insufficient evidence regarding who actually planted the bombs that night.

Birmingham Mail editor Graeme Brown said the paper had always supported the families and would never stop giving its full backing to those seeking justice.

“Forty-nine years ago, 21 people went out for a night and never came home,” he said.

“That caused immeasurable pain to their families- which has only been exacerbated by decades of injustice. The Birmingham Mail has stood by the side of the families ever since.

“I must make special mention of our print editor Andy Richards. He transcends journalism when it comes to this subject – it matters deeply to him and he has sweated blood for the cause.

“We will never stop. Until there is justice for the 21, we will stand hand-in-hand with the families.”

Julie Hambleton’s first-person piece, which lead the inside coverage, read: “Today is the 49^th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings. Time is no healer. Every year it is heart-breaking. It is highly emotional and draining on the physical and mental well-being of the bereaved.

“None of us was offered or given any support in 1974… However, remembering our 21 is a form of counselling for many.

“Our families, survivors and the community of Birmingham and beyond come together to remember them as they were before they were taken away from us so violently.

“On the night of November 21, 1974, I lost my sister. And Birmingham lost 21 members of its family. On that night, 21 people went out for a drink and none of them returned home. Please, NEVER forget the victims.”