Locals open their homes to strangers
London was standing strong yesterday in the wake of the latest terrorist attack on the city. Dozens of Londoners and businesses opened their doors to people stranded in the capital after the attack by sharing offers on social media with the hashtag #Sofaforlondon.
Nadine Stares said: “Sofabed available if you are stranded due to this sad incident at London Bridge #Sofaforlondon”.
Another Twitter user who gave his name as Ben Andrews wrote: “If anyone caught in London Bridge incident needs place to sleep, we have a spare room 10mins walk away from #London Bridge #sofaforlon- don.” The Makersville bicycle workshop in Hackney tweeted: “#sofaforlondon heads up guys – if you’re stuck, let us know.”
Singer and broadcaster Mo Ansar tweeted: “Mosques, churches, temples and gurdwareh are open for the public in London. Seek shelter, food and safety if you need it.”
Witnesses also reported hotels and restaurants on the southern bank of the Thames giving people shelter and water as they tried to make their way home.
Staff at Oval and Clapham North Tube stations put up signs of hope, encouraging passengers to remain defiant.
The posters read: “Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength. #Londonbridge #Londonisopen.