TOUCHING messages of support and condolence have been paid to a former Southend priest whose two daughters were killed in a knife attack.

Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, died after being attacked by a stranger in a Wembley park on June 12.

Two days earlier, they had been celebrating Bibaa’s birthday with a group of friends and family.

Their mother, Wilhelmina Smallman was the first woman to become an Archdeacon when she took on the role for the Chelmsford Diocese in Southend in 2013.

The Archdeaconry of Southend comprises Southend, Rochford, Basildon, Thurrock and Hadleigh.

The popular Archdeacon served the community until her retirement in 2016.

A Canvey vicar, who trained with Mrs Smallman, who was known as Mina, paid a heartfelt tribute to her friend and colleague who now lives in Ramsgate, Kent with her husband, Chris.

The Rev Marion Walford, vicar for the Canvey parish, said: “I can’t begin to imagine what Mina must be going through.

“The whole parish at Canvey want her to know she is very much in our prayers. As a mother I can’t imagine her pain.

“We trained in the same place. She was a couple of years ahead of me. I got to know her well when she became Archdeacon of Southend and welcomed her to the area.

“She lived in Thundersley then but we have continued to keep in contact over the years and occasionally still have lunch.”

The Acting Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Peter Hill, also offered words of support.

He said: “We are devastated to hear of the tragic deaths of Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry in North London at the weekend.

“Nicole and Bibaa were the daughters of our former Archdeacon and good friend Mina Smallman.

“This is heart breaking news and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Chelmsford Diocese are with Mina and her family. We ask that their privacy is respected and for everyone’s prayers at this most difficult of times.”

Det Chief Insp Simon Harding, from the specialist crime unit, said: “This is an unthinkably harrowing and tragic incident and my first thoughts remain with Nicole and Bibaa’s close family and friends who are going through the most unimaginable pain and suffering.

“There have been a number of factors involved in both the incident and the aftermath which have required extra time and care in enabling us to create a clear picture of what has taken place.

“But what we can now say with some certainty is that Nicole and Bibaa were murdered by someone who was unknown to them.”

Mr Harding added: “We believe the suspect received injuries during the incident which have caused significant bleeding.

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8721 4205, via 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 3160/7Jun.