London is defiant after terror attack
On 3 June, three men attacked innocent people enjoying a night out in London. Seven people died, and 48 others were taken to hospital with injuries.
What happened?
Shortly before 10pm last Saturday night, a van drove across London Bridge towards Borough Market, a popular evening destination in central London. Three men jumped out of the van and ran into the market where they attacked people. The attack stopped after eight minutes, when armed police arrived and shot the men to prevent them from hurting anyone else.
Why did it happen?
A terrorist group that calls itself Islamic State (IS) has said that it was responsible for the attack. It is the same group that says it was behind the explosion in Manchester. However, authorities have said there is no direct link between the attack in Manchester two weeks ago, and the attacks on Saturday night. The attackers are thought to have believed in an extreme version of the religion Islam and were against values including freedom and democracy.
How did people respond?
The emergency services have been praised, especially the police, whose quick response saved lives. In a statement, Prime Minister Theresa May thanked the police for their help, and said that “the whole country needs to come together” to prevent any more attacks. The head of the Muslim Council of Britain condemned the attack, saying “Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted”. At a vigil for the victims, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan, said, “…as a proud and patriotic British Muslim I say this: you do not commit these disgusting acts in my name.” He added, “London will never be broken by terrorism. We will step up the fight against extremism and we will defeat the terrorists.”
Stories of heroism and bravery have emerged, too: an off-duty policeman was injured while protecting the public, and a baker gave people shelter in his bakery.
What happens next?
The police have made a number of arrests, and authorities have said there is no reason to believe another attack is about to happen. Sadiq Khan has promised that there will be more police on the city’s streets. Politicians said that the general election on 8 June should go ahead as planned.