Attenborough in mourning

Lord Richard Attenborough is today mourning the loss of three family members in the tsunami disaster in south-east Asia.

09:56 29 December 2004

Lord Richard Attenborough is today mourning the loss of three family members in the tsunami disaster in south-east Asia.

The film director's 14-year-old granddaughter is confirmed as one of a number of British tourists to have died following the Boxing Day earthquake, while his daughter and her mother-in-law are also missing.

Lord Attenborough's family members were staying in the holiday resort of Phuket in Thailand, which was badly affected by the disaster. His son-in-law and eldest grandson survived uninjured, while another granddaughter is currently in hospital.

A statement from family friend Diana Hawkins confirmed the loss.

"Lord (Richard) Attenborough and his wife, Sheila, have lost three members of their immediate family in the tidal wave disaster that hit the beaches of Thailand on Boxing Day morning," it read.

"Their elder daughter, Jane, is missing, as is her mother-in-law, Jane Holland.

"The Attenboroughs' granddaughter, Lucy, 14, died at the scene. Another granddaughter, Alice, 17, is now being treated in hospital.

"Two members of the family group survived unscathed. They are the Attenboroughs' son-in-law, Michael Holland, and eldest grandson, Sam.

"The Holland family left their London home last week for a two-week holiday at the Thai beach resort.

"Lord Attenborough, 81, his wife, other daughter, Charlotte, and son, Michael, together with their families, ask that the news media respect their need for privacy at this terrible time."

Lord Attenborough has directed films including Cry Freedom, Chaplin and the Oscar-winning Gandhi.

He has also enjoyed immense success as an actor, starring in films including Brighton Rock, The Great Escape, Elizabeth and Jurassic Park. He was made Lord Attenborough for his services to film in 1993.