TRIBUTE was paid yesterday to hairdresser Phil Beer, killed in the July 7 bombings in 2005.

Mr Beer was killed in the blast on a Piccadilly Line train between Kings Cross and Russell Square.

The bomb, carried by Jermaine Lindsay, detonated on the first carriage of a “packed” train carrying an estimated 1,000 passengers, was the deadliest attack, killing 26.

The bomb was the third to go off, shortly after leaving Kings Cross tube station at 8.49am.

Yesterday, relatives paid tribute in person and in statements to those who died at the inquests into the 52 deaths on that day at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Mr Beer, 22, from Masefield Road, Borehamwood, was travelling to work with his friend Patrick Barnes when the bomb went off.

He was just two weeks into his new job at Sanrizz hair salon in Knightsbridge.

He grew up in Borehamwood and lived there with his mother Kim and his two sisters Stacey and Michele.

Phil Beer’s sister, Stacey, said how since his death there was “a dark shadow over the family”.

She said: "Phil went to school in Borehamwood, which he never really enjoyed, and left when he was 16 to become a hairdresser.

"He started work at a local salon at Borehamwood. Phil worked at many salons, including Hair on Broadway, John Frieda and Umberto Giannini.

“Phil was never able to fulfil his dreams and ambitions, as he was so young and barely an adult when he was killed. Phil's ambition was to become a well-known hairdresser and to travel the world.”

Ms Beer revealed how Mr Beer had planned a holiday in Ibiza and wished to travel with Mr Barnes to Australia the following year.

She added: “Phil was offered to travel to LA with a hairdressing friend for Christmas in 2004, however turned down the opportunity as he wanted to be with his family for Christmas.

"Phil loved spending time with our family as we were all very close. He adored his two nephews, Jamie and Jimmy, who were only six and two years old when Philip was taken from us.”

More than 400 mourners turned out to pay their respects to London bomb victim Phil Beer at his funeral and in September 2005 celebrities and former Arsenal players took to the football field in Borehamwood for a match in tribute him.

Ms Beer said: "Phil loved to go out in London, socialising with friends. He was always out and enjoying himself. He had many friends from all different backgrounds and ages.

"He was a very popular person. People only had to meet him once and they would never forget him. He was a very loyal and kind person who would help anybody.

"Phil was fun-loving, who brought so much joy and laughter in our lives. Our lives seem quiet and empty since Phil has gone. There is always a dark shadow over our family, as a huge part of our family is always missing.

“When our family share happy occasions, there is always a constant reminder that Phil is not here to share them with us, such as the birth of my first baby.

“We suffer every day with the pain of losing our little brother in such a horrific way, but we also have to watch our parents suffer, as they are unable to come to terms with losing their only son, a piece of them died the day Philip was taken from our family."