London mayor Sadiq Khan and Met Police commissioner visit London Bridge in aftermath of terror carnage
SADIQ Khan has slammed the three terrorists who targeted Saturday night revellers at London Bridge, calling the attack “cowardly and evil”.
Visiting the scene of the van and stabbing rampage that claimed the lives of seven people over the weekend, London’s mayor said he was “furious” that the killers had used religion to justify their actions.
Khan said: “I’m angry, and I’m furious that these three men are seeking to justify their actions by using the faith that I belong to.
“The ideology they follow is perverse, and is poisonous and it has no place in Islam.
“I condemn this terrorist act but also the poisonous ideology these men and others follow.”
Khan, who became London’s first Muslim mayor last year, has remained vocal in the wake of the attack, announced that a vigil would be held early Monday evening to honour those killed.
He said: “The victims include, not just people who are from London, but people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Spain – you realise what a truly global city London is.
“All of us are thinking about the family and friends of those affected.”
He paid tribute to the “amazing work” done by police and emergency services, adding: “The speed of their response led to fewer lives being lost.”
He said he wanted to show the world that London had not been cowed by Saturday night’s attack during tonight’ vigil, saying: “We will be remembering the victims, their families, saying thank you to the police and emergency services and demonstrating that London won’t be cowed by terrorism, nor will we allow these terrorists to fuel division and divide our communities.”
He was joined by The Met’s Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, who praised the quick response of officers after being called to London Bridge, saying the attack was “ghastly”.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR:
- ISIS has claimed responsibility after a van ploughed through pedestrians on London Bridge just after 10pm on Saturday
- Three jihadists wearing fake bomb vests began knifing bystanders and pub-goers
- Staff at one pub barricaded the doors as the attackers tried to storm the building before the three terrorists were shot dead
- At least seven victims were killed and 48 people were injured with 18 still critical
- Four cops including British Transport Police officer among those injured
- The first victim was named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, a charity worker from British Columbia
- Theresa May has confirmed the terror threat level will remain at ‘severe’ and said all three attackers have been identified
- Cops raid block of flats in Barking, East London, reportedly home to one of the attackers, and arrest 12 as well as sealing off East Ham flat
- Police and piece together the chaos
- The Met opened a casualty bureau for those concerned about family and friends. There are two numbers to call: 0800 096 1233 and 020 7158 0197
- All the main political parties aside from UKIP suspended campaigning but have since resumed it as Mrs May confirmed the election will go ahead
- One Love Manchester Concert goes ahead as youngsters refuse to let terrorists stop them attending
- Sick ISIS thugs celebrated attack and called for more atrocities
- London Bridge Underground and National Rail stations re-opened on Monday
- A minute’s silence nationwide on Tuesday at 11am and a vigil in Potters Fields Park in London at 6pm on Monday
- Gunfire heard in Dagenham as heavily-armed cops detain several people during raids linked to the attack
- Families have shared desperate appeals for information to find loved ones still missing after the atrocity with a nanny and Frenchman among those who vanished
Did you see the London Bridge terror attack, or know anyone involved? Please contact The Sun newsdesk on 020 7782 4100, text 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk
The Mayor had earlier attended a Cobra meeting this morning, chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May, saying security services were “doing everything they can” to keep us safe.
Security measures are being bolstered, with concrete blocks and and steel barriers put up to protect pedestrians.
Armed cops have been carrying out raids across London in the wake of the atrocity.