Defiance and love

CROWDS GATHER TO REMEMBER THOSE LOST IN SATURDAY’S TERROR ATTACK

WEST London reacted with defiance to the terrorist attack in London Bridge which killed seven, with some even offering to open up their homes to those in need.

A gang of terrorists in a van ploughed into pedestrians at around 10pm on Saturday.

They got out the vehicle and began stabbing people in nearby restaurants and bars.

Seven were killed and 48 injured, some seriously.

Following the attack, people in west London were quick to offer messages of support, with some even offering their homes.

Anthony J Myers, under @ajmy, tweeted: “If anyone caught up in London Bridge or Borough Market needs a place to stay, I’m far west London, but you’re very welcome. #sofaforLondon.”

Another, named as Lisa under @ lisa_ww, tweeted: “I’m in west London (Ealing). If anyone involved in the terrible incidents tonight needs tea or shelter, you are welcome.”

Labour candidate for Ealing Southall Virendra Sharma said: “Last night was an attack on our city of tolerance. To defeat this hatred we must carry on living our lives and be everything they were not.”

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said: “I want to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed as a result of [Saturday] night’s attack at London Bridge.

“We lowered the flags to half-mast over Ealing Town Hall early this morning as a sign of our respect.

“Although London is a city in grief today, we will not be cowed.

“We will stand united and we will stand firm against hatred, bigotry and terrorism.

“This great city’s greatest strength is the unity of its diverse communities and we must not forget this.”

In a statement released on Sunday, Hounslow Council stated: “Following the horrific terror attack in London Bridge and Borough Market last night, we would like to express our deepest sympathy on behalf of everyone in the borough, to the families and friends of all those killed and injured.

“This is another senseless attack, but we must all stand together as one community in the face of adversity.

“As a mark of respect the flags at the Civic Centre are being flown at half mast.”

Leader of Ealing Conservatives Greg Stafford tweeted: “Thoughts & prayers for all in London Bridge area tonight.

“We must act resolutely to bring perpetrators to justice & those that harbour them.”

Police at the scene in Borough High Street on Saturday night

(Right) People hurry down Borough High Street as police deal with the incident on Saturday night; (left) people are led to safety away from London Bridge after the attack; (below left) armed police in St Thomas Street on Sunday morning, near to the...