London Bridge terror attack victims remembered on seventh anniversary
Londoners gathered at Southwark Cathedral yesterday to mark seven years since the 2017 London Bridge terror attack.
A service of commemoration, organised by residents charity Living Bankside, was hosted at the permanent memorial of the London Bridge attack in the square outside Southwark Cathedral.
On June 3, 2017, three Islamic extremists ploughed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before launching a knife attack in nearby Borough Market.
The attack killed eight people and injured 48.
The three men who mounted the attack were shot dead by police, who arrived at the scene of the attack within eight minutes.
Four police officers were hurt and two unarmed police officers were severely injured during the incident.
Cllr Naima Ali, Mayor of Southwark said: “This tragedy affected me deeply as a resident of Southwark and as a Muslim.
“Southwark is a place I call home, a place which is very dear to me.
“The terrorists had hijacked my faith and warped into something it is not.
“It was an attack on our hearts, minds, souls and our shared values of peace, hope and compassion.
“In the face of such darkness, we witnessed incredible strength and resilience.
“We saw the bravery of our first responders, the kindness of strangers, and the unwavering spirit of those who stood together against fear and hatred.
“This demonstrated the true essence of Southwark and of London —a community bound by compassion, unity, and hope.”
Yesterday afternoon family and friends of the victims and survivors laid flowers at the Memorial Plaque.
Amongst the crowd, attendees included Joseph Bonner, chairman of Living Bankside , Deputy Lieutenant Lynn Cooper, the Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Naima Ali, the Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun as well as Southwark councillors, community leaders and representatives for the emergency services.
Mr Bonner, said: “Today we recommit ourselves to the values of hope, peace and compassion, defying the division and hate the attackers sought to create and breed.
“Brothers and sisters, families and loved ones of those killed, survivors, local residents, businesses and visitors know that you are valued and loved.
“People of all backgrounds, to those of all faiths, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, other faiths or of no particular faith know that you are valued and loved.
“Whoever you are and whatever your background, know that you are loved and valued”
The names of those who tragically lost their lives were Xavier Thomas, 45, Christine Archibald, 30, James McMullan, 32, Alexandre Pigeard, 26, Kirsty Boden, 28, Sébastien Bélanger, 36, Sara Zelenak, 21, and Ignacio Echeverria Miralles de Imperial, 39.
Pictured top: Flowers laid at the memorial yesterday (Picture: London fire brigade)