PM and Mayor lead tributes to the bravery of bystanders
BORIS Johnson and Sadiq Khan have led tributes to members of the public who helped police take down the suspected terrorist on London Bridge.
Footage posted on social media showed several people crowding around the suspect as he laid on the pavement, with one man grappling with him moments before he was shot by armed officers.
Another man could be seen carrying away a large knife thought to have been seized from the suspect, who died at the scene.
Several people were injured after the attacker went on a stabbing rampage, thought to have started at nearby Fishmongers Hall.
It was not immediately clear whether the two men were members of the public or emergency responders in plain clothing.
The Prime Minister thanked those who responded for their “immense bravery”, while the
Mayor of London described them as “the best of us”.
“What’s remarkable about the images we’ve seen is the breathtaking heroism of members of the public who literally ran towards danger, not knowing what confronted them,” Mr Khan said.
“It’s another example of the bravery and heroism of ordinary Londoners running towards danger, risking their own personal safety to try and save others.”
Tributes were also paid to emergency services who arrived at the scene within minutes.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “Thank you to the NHS staff, esp brave paramedics from @Ldn_Ambulance & emergency services for their fast response in face of the terrorist attack at London Bridge, & the incredible bravery of many members of the public. My thoughts are with the victims & their families.”
And former Government minister Tobias Ellwood, who helped police deal with the immediate aftermath of the Westminster terror attack in 2017, tweeted: “A stark reminder of the dangerous and diverse threats we continue to face but also of the incredible bravery and professionalism of our emergency services in so swiftly closing this incident down.”
Meanwhile police patrols have been stepped up in the capital.
The incident comes just weeks after the UK’s terrorism threat level was downgraded.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: “Public safety is obviously our top priority and we will be enhancing police patrols in the City and across London.”
British Transport Police said they would have more officers, including firearms officers, on patrol in the capital at the weekend, at stations as well as on board trains.
The terrorism threat level was lowered on November 4 to “substantial” from “severe”, meaning attacks were thought to be “likely” rather than “highly likely”.
Announcing the decision, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Despite the change in the threat level, terrorism remains one of the most direct and immediate risks to our national security.
“Substantial continues to indicate a high level of threat, and an attack might well occur without further warning.
“As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police. Government, police and intelligence agencies will continue to work tirelessly to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms.”