HUNDREDS of people attended a church service in Cardiff after a hit-and-run spree by a lorry driver left a mother of three children dead, and 13 others, including a number of children, seriously injured.

The Priest-in-Charge of the Resurrection, Glan Ely, the Revd Jan Gould, urged those who were crammed into the church on Sunday to respond with love to the tragedy rather than revenge. "This must surely be perhaps the deepest grief we have shared as a community," but "let love be our last word," Ms Gould said.

On Tuesday, Matthew Tvrdon, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody at Newport Crown Court, accused of the murder of Karina Menzies, attempted murder, and assault.

A van knocked over women and children in a series of hit-and-runs last Friday afternoon. It is thought that Ms Menzies died trying to save two of her three children by pushing them out the way of the vehicle. Her two daughters were taken to hospital with broken bones and other injuries, but returned home this week.

The Resurrection opened its doors as soon as the news broke that afternoon, Ms Gould said, and people from all over the city came in to light candles: "The church has been at the heart of the community for a long time, but it was overwhelming how everyone came here to be together as news broke."

She said that the community had been left traumatised by the incident, with children particularly affected, as many had witnessed the collisions, which occurred as pupils walked home from school.

"People were numb with grief. This is an incredibly close community. People I know who struggle to buy food were putting £20 into the collection for the victims."

A trust fund, administered by the church, is being set up for the three children of Ms Menzies.

Ms Gould has been asked by the family to help sort out the affairs of Ms Menzies, and the future of her three children.