‘people are choosing to fight back’
A number of have-a-go heroes selflessly risked their lives to help others and stop the London Bridge terrorists. Closer asks what drove them to such bravery
In the aftermath I of the London terror attack, reports quickly emerged of defiant bystanders who not only helped those injured but also fought back against the terrorists despite the extreme danger.
Australian nurse Kirsty Boden, 28 – who worked at Guy’s Hospital – was among the eight people killed after she heroically ran towards danger to help a victim during the onslaught.
Her heartbroken family praised her actions, saying they were “so proud” and that it was proof of how “selfless, caring and heroic she was.”
Off-duty police officer Charlie Guenigault, 25, and Millwall football supporter Roy Larner, both attempted to take on the terrorists with their bare hands – leaving both hospitalised with injuries. Geoff Ho, a journalist, was badly injured protecting a friend from the terrorists.
A Romanian chef, Florin Morariu, hit one of the attackers over the head with a crate and let 20 terrified people into the bakery where he worked.
Magdalena Antolak, a landlady, barricaded customers inside the Wheatsheaf pub using beer kegs – saving 20 people.
Meanwhile, a taxi driver named only as Chris, attempted to run over the armed terrorists.
But what drives people to take such incredible risks?
Closer psychologist Emma Kenny explains that – for some – it’s an instinctive reaction. She says: “We all experience a fight-or-flight reaction in dangerous situations.
“While most people will automatically run away from danger, some are now becoming less shocked and so much more enraged with these persistent acts of terror that they’re no longer willing to do nothing and choose to fight back. And when attacks happen in areas such as a pub or restaurant, bystanders feel more of a responsibility to ‘have a go’ because they are better able to see the attackers and feel they can make a difference.
“Thankfully, we live in a generous country and many of us often put other people’s needs above our own. But while it’s tempting to help, it’s usually safest to leave the heroics to the experts.”