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London Bridge attack: 21 of those injured in critical condition, NHS says - latest updates London Bridge attack: 21 of those injured in critical condition, NHS says - latest updates
(35 minutes later)
5.21pm BST
17:21
5.20pm BST
17:20
Nadia Khomami
The mother of one of the victims, 23 year-old Daniel O’Neill, who was stabbed in last night’s attack and is being treated in hospital, has told of her son’s experiences.“He just stepped outside the bar for a second and a man ran up to him and said ‘this is for my family, this is for Islam’, and stuck a knife straight in him. He’s got a 7 inch scar going from his belly round to his back,” Elizabeth O’Neill told reporters outside Kings College Hospital.“The man ran away, Daniel headed back into the pub, there was shots fired, everybody was told to lie down, and then they were told to go downstairs in the bar. At this stage Daniel’s friend had put a tourniquet on him and was holding pressure there, he was brought downstairs, parts of that he doesn’t remember, and then the police were there and brought him in their car to the hospital.”O’Neill said her son was able to talk but remained in shock. “”These people say they are doing this in the name of God which is an absolute joke. They are callous they are barbaric and they are absolute cowards. We will carry on as normal,” she said.
5.08pm BST
17:08
Alice Ross
As the immediate shock wears off, there are determined efforts in some quarters to express reconciliation and unity.
Representatives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are speaking to reporters on the cordon, as is the bishop of Southwark – the attack happened right on the doorstep of Southwark cathedral, which is still sealed off by the police.
Meanwhile signs with the hashtag #turntolove have been taped to bollards, alongside bouquets of flowers.
Farhad Ahmad, an Ahmadiyya imam, said: “I was completely shocked ... at the same time as an imam that’s read the Holy Qur’an, I felt a responsibility to reach out to people to say, this can’t divide us and that this is not representative of Islam.”
He and colleagues came to Southwark because “it’s important that we chat to people because they have questions. We need to answer those questions and reassure people”.
The Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, bishop of Southwark, said he had come to be “among my people” and his “heart goes out” to those whose lives were changed by the attacks.
“The faith leaders operate, each of them, within community networks,” he said.
“It’s very important that all community networks mobilise so that people of goodwill stand together... this must not undermine the things we cherish most.”
He added: “The purpose of our great faiths is justice and peace and human concern for others, especially the vulnerable.”
On Borough High St, Alice Cudmore of the Globe Church, a free church in a nearby office building, handed out Heroes chocolates to policemen and passers-by.
Asked if the name of the chocolates was deliberate, she said: “There were Celebrations but we thought that wasn’t quite right. And the police are heroes.”
She continued: “We thought, let’s look after people, help people feel less scared.”
The reaction has been “quite mixed”, she said.
“I had a long chat with an atheist guy who was quite angry and that’s understandable. Lots of people can’t believe it’s happened.”
Police officers have been on the receiving end of other small acts of kindness: the Guardian saw Sainsbury’s staff bringing them snacks and sandwiches, and Cudmore said Costa sent them coffees. “I’ve offered Muslims chocolate and they said: ‘I’m fasting but I’ll take one for later’,” she added. “It’s so important to chat.”
Updated
at 5.13pm BST
4.58pm BST
16:58
Google has put out a statement following the London Bridge attack saying it is committed to working with the government to ensure terrorists “do not have a voice online”. This is from ITV’s Carl Dinnen.
Full statement from Google following the London Bridge attack and the Prime Minister's statement. pic.twitter.com/gxOWzlD6uX
In her speech this morning Theresa May reaffirmed her commitment to getting international agreement on regulating cyberspace to stop the spread of extremism. (See 11.56am.)
But the Open Rights Group, which campaigns for internet freedom, has criticised May for wanting to force internet firms to allow access to the encrypted messages of terrorists. In a statement it said:
It is disappointing that in the aftermath of this attack, the government’s response appears to focus on the regulation of the internet and encryption.
This could be a very risky approach. If successful, Theresa May could push these vile networks into even darker corners of the web, where they will be even harder to observe.
But we should not be distracted: the internet and companies like Facebook are not a cause of this hatred and violence, but tools that can be abused. While governments and companies should take sensible measures to stop abuse, attempts to control the internet is not the simple solution that Theresa May is claiming.
Updated
at 5.00pm BST
4.57pm BST
16:57
Flowers left for victims of London Bridge and Borough market attack pic.twitter.com/qAwo7w4nOZ
4.56pm BST
16:56
Some words of support from horror writer Stephen King
London lives. And thrives. And stands together. I love you guys. We all do.
Updated
at 5.03pm BST
4.49pm BST
16:49
Lisa O'Carroll
Mathu, an employee in Sam’s Chicken Shop, said one of the “five or six” who were taken from the flat was Romanian or eastern European.
“He was about 22 or 23, he was a nice, quiet guy. He lived there with his brother and his girlfriend. They used to come in and order lunch, always ordered wings and chips.
“We suddenly hear something like a gunshot. A man rushed in and told us to stay in the shop.
“The shop was surrounded by police,” she said.
Mathu said the two men in the flat were definitely Romanian as they were regular customers and used to josh with him as his girlfriend, Janushan, 15, said there were also four black men who lived in the flat, one of whom he said was Somalian and wore “brown Islamic dress”.
Updated
at 4.54pm BST
4.47pm BST
16:47
Sarah Marsh
A Romanian chef who reportedly hit an attacker over the head with a crate and sheltered 20 people in his bakery has been hailed a hero.
The baker, who works at the Bread Ahead bakery in the market, told the Associated Press: “We were looking out of the window because we saw that everyone was agitated, everyone was running, people, women ... they were fainting, falling and we went outside to see what was happening.”
He said that he “froze” when he went outside and saw two people stabbing others. However, then he went and hit one of the attackers on the head with a crate. “There was a car with a loudspeaker saying ‘go, go’ and they [ the police] threw a grenade .... and then I ran.” He added that he also let 20 people into his bakery with the shutters down.
Shout out to the Romanian chef who sheltered 20 people... and then whacked one of the terrorists with a crate. https://t.co/DOFYFOxEdk pic.twitter.com/Prr5geZkPG
A Romanian chef sheltered 20 people in his bakery and hit one of the #LondonBridge attackers on the head with a crate. This is London.
Updated
at 4.50pm BST
4.44pm BST4.44pm BST
16:4416:44
Denis CampbellDenis Campbell
My colleague, Denis Campbell, has more information on the member of public who suffered gunshot wounds, confirming the man was shot in the head. My colleague Denis Campbell has more information on the member of public who suffered gunshot wounds, confirming the man was shot in the head.
The man shot in the head during last night’s events around London Bridge is alive, “absolutely not dying” and expected to make a full recovery, a senior doctor at the Royal London Hospital has told the Guardian. The man shot in the head during last night’s events around London Bridge is alive, “absolutely not dying” and expected to make a full recovery, a senior doctor at the Royal London hospital has told the Guardian.
Confirmation of the man’s condition came from Dr Malik Ramadhan, the divisional director for trauma at the hospital in east London, where the patient is being treated. “We had one gunshot wound. There’s a patient in this hospital who’s been shot in the head; a man. He’s absolutely not dying. Our expectation is that he will make a full recovery”, said Dr Ramadhan. Confirmation of the man’s condition came from Dr Malik Ramadhan, the divisional director for trauma at the hospital in east London, where the patient is being treated.
The unnamed man is one of 12 people taken to the Royal London with serious injuries, the other 11 of whom sustained from both the van careering across London Bridge and the stabbings that followed. Six of those 12 are receiving critical care. “We had one gunshot wound. There’s a patient in this hospital who’s been shot in the head; a man. He’s absolutely not dying. Our expectation is that he will make a full recovery,” said Ramadhan.
Dr Ramadhan’s statement contradicts reports in other media, at least one of which claimed that the man had died. The unnamed man is one of 12 people taken to the Royal London with serious injuries, the other 11 of whom sustained injuries from both the van careering across London Bridge and the stabbings that followed. Six of those 12 are receiving critical care.
Ramadhan’s statement contradicts reports in other media, at least one of which claimed that the man had died.
Updated
at 4.52pm BST
4.43pm BST4.43pm BST
16:4316:43
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Rowley said the member of public who suffered gunshot wounds did not suffer injuries “critical in nature”. Rowley said the member of public who was shot by police did not suffer injuries that were “critical in nature”.
As the officers confronted the terrorist, a member of hte public also suffered gunshot wounds. As the officers confronted the terrorist, a member of the public also suffered gunshot wounds.
Although the injuries are not critical in nature, they are in hospital receiving medical attention and we will of course keep you updated on that.Although the injuries are not critical in nature, they are in hospital receiving medical attention and we will of course keep you updated on that.
Updated
at 4.48pm BST
4.40pm BST4.40pm BST
16:4016:40
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Rowley said the attack started at 9.58pm as the attackers drove a van from north to south over London Bridge.Rowley said the attack started at 9.58pm as the attackers drove a van from north to south over London Bridge.
The van mounted the pavement and collided with pedestrians before being abandoned where attackers were armed with knives, continued into the Borough Market area, stabbing numerous people.The van mounted the pavement and collided with pedestrians before being abandoned where attackers were armed with knives, continued into the Borough Market area, stabbing numerous people.
The attackers were then confronted by the firearms officers and I can confirm eight police firearms officers discharged their weapons.The attackers were then confronted by the firearms officers and I can confirm eight police firearms officers discharged their weapons.
While this will be subject to an investigation by the IPCC, our initial assessment is in the region of 50 rounds, 50 bullets, were fired by those eight officers. The three attackers were shot dead.While this will be subject to an investigation by the IPCC, our initial assessment is in the region of 50 rounds, 50 bullets, were fired by those eight officers. The three attackers were shot dead.
The situation these officers were confronted with was critical – a matter of life and death – three armed men wearing what appeared to be suicide belts.The situation these officers were confronted with was critical – a matter of life and death – three armed men wearing what appeared to be suicide belts.
They had already attacked and killed members of the public and had to be stopped immediately. Indeed, I’m not surprised with what they must have feared were three suicide bombers the firearms officers fired an unprecedented number of rounds to be completely confident they had neutralised the threat that those men posed.They had already attacked and killed members of the public and had to be stopped immediately. Indeed, I’m not surprised with what they must have feared were three suicide bombers the firearms officers fired an unprecedented number of rounds to be completely confident they had neutralised the threat that those men posed.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.43pm BSTat 4.43pm BST
4.37pm BST4.37pm BST
16:3716:37
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, has condemned President Trump for his comment about the London mayor, Sadiq Khan. (See 3.29pm.) Farron said:Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, has condemned President Trump for his comment about the London mayor, Sadiq Khan. (See 3.29pm.) Farron said:
Donald Trump has shown how little he cares for the special relationship and how much he will twist the truth to try and justify his divisive policies.Donald Trump has shown how little he cares for the special relationship and how much he will twist the truth to try and justify his divisive policies.
Sadiq Khan has shown calm and dignified resolve in the face of these cowardly terrorist attacks. He is more of a statesman than Donald Trump will ever be.Sadiq Khan has shown calm and dignified resolve in the face of these cowardly terrorist attacks. He is more of a statesman than Donald Trump will ever be.
4.34pm BST4.34pm BST
16:3416:34
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Rowley said the investigation had made good progress but there “remains much more to do”.Rowley said the investigation had made good progress but there “remains much more to do”.
We’re making significant progress in identifying the three attackers and confirming the fact there were no other suspects at the scene when the attack was carried out.We’re making significant progress in identifying the three attackers and confirming the fact there were no other suspects at the scene when the attack was carried out.
Work is ongoing to understnd more about them, about their connections and whether they were assisted and supported by anyone else.Work is ongoing to understnd more about them, about their connections and whether they were assisted and supported by anyone else.
Searches and 12 arrests have been made in east London, he said.Searches and 12 arrests have been made in east London, he said.
There is clearly more to do and we will work relentlessly to get to the facts.There is clearly more to do and we will work relentlessly to get to the facts.
We established that the van used in the attack was a white Renault van that was recently hired by one of the attackers.We established that the van used in the attack was a white Renault van that was recently hired by one of the attackers.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.36pm BSTat 4.36pm BST
4.30pm BST4.30pm BST
16:3016:30
A member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound - counter-terror chiefA member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound - counter-terror chief
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Mark Rowley, Met police assistant commissioner, said a member of the public suffered a gunshot wound as officers attempted to neutralise the terrorists with an “unprecedented” level of gunfire.Mark Rowley, Met police assistant commissioner, said a member of the public suffered a gunshot wound as officers attempted to neutralise the terrorists with an “unprecedented” level of gunfire.
The individual is being treated in hospital, Rowley said.The individual is being treated in hospital, Rowley said.
Eight armed officers opened fire as they attempted to stop the knife-wielding attackers and discharged around 50 bullets, he said.Eight armed officers opened fire as they attempted to stop the knife-wielding attackers and discharged around 50 bullets, he said.
In addition, detectives have confirmed the white Renault van used by the attackers was hired shortly before the attack.In addition, detectives have confirmed the white Renault van used by the attackers was hired shortly before the attack.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.32pm BSTat 4.32pm BST
4.24pm BST4.24pm BST
16:2416:24
ITV’s Peston on Sunday has released the transcript of Robert Peston’s interview with Amber Rudd, the home secretary, this morning. (See 10.53am.) Here are the key points.ITV’s Peston on Sunday has released the transcript of Robert Peston’s interview with Amber Rudd, the home secretary, this morning. (See 10.53am.) Here are the key points.
Rudd explained why the joint terrorism analysis centre (JTAC) had decided not to raise the threat level from severe to critical.Rudd explained why the joint terrorism analysis centre (JTAC) had decided not to raise the threat level from severe to critical.
The level of severe means an attack is highly likely, and we’ve been at that level for three years. [The level went up to critical after Manchester] because in Manchester we had to be, the police had to be absolutely sure that there was no additional material or explosives out there that could mean there might be a follow up attack. When they became satisfied of that, the independent assessor of the threat level, JTAC, said it was right to come back down to severe. We don’t believe there is additional elements which could be carrying on the attack last night, or JTAC, rather, has made that assessment, so they haven’t recommended going to critical.The level of severe means an attack is highly likely, and we’ve been at that level for three years. [The level went up to critical after Manchester] because in Manchester we had to be, the police had to be absolutely sure that there was no additional material or explosives out there that could mean there might be a follow up attack. When they became satisfied of that, the independent assessor of the threat level, JTAC, said it was right to come back down to severe. We don’t believe there is additional elements which could be carrying on the attack last night, or JTAC, rather, has made that assessment, so they haven’t recommended going to critical.
She said the police were confident the attackers were “radical Islamist terrorists”.She said the police were confident the attackers were “radical Islamist terrorists”.
She refused to say if the attackers were known to the authorities.She refused to say if the attackers were known to the authorities.
She said Theresa May’s reference in her speech (see 11.56am) to “taking military action to destroy Isis in Iraq and Syria” was not intended to mean she wants more military action.She said Theresa May’s reference in her speech (see 11.56am) to “taking military action to destroy Isis in Iraq and Syria” was not intended to mean she wants more military action.
She said the government was working with international allies to get internet companies to do more to tackle extremism. There were two priorities, she said.She said the government was working with international allies to get internet companies to do more to tackle extremism. There were two priorities, she said.
There is international agreement that we need to get those companies to do more. It’s not good enough just to say, do no harm. We have to get them to actively to work with us to stop their platforms being used to radicalised. It’s two, it’s two points to it. One is to make sure that they do more to take down the material that is radicalising people, and secondly to help work with us to limit the amount of end-to-end encryption that otherwise terrorists can use to plot their devices.There is international agreement that we need to get those companies to do more. It’s not good enough just to say, do no harm. We have to get them to actively to work with us to stop their platforms being used to radicalised. It’s two, it’s two points to it. One is to make sure that they do more to take down the material that is radicalising people, and secondly to help work with us to limit the amount of end-to-end encryption that otherwise terrorists can use to plot their devices.
She said the government did not want to exploit the attack politically.She said the government did not want to exploit the attack politically.
We are plain vanilla about making sure there’s no political points scoring as we go about trying to keep people safe. Of course it’s right to have a debate about it, but I hope we can do it without introducing politics.We are plain vanilla about making sure there’s no political points scoring as we go about trying to keep people safe. Of course it’s right to have a debate about it, but I hope we can do it without introducing politics.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.33pm BSTat 4.33pm BST
4.15pm BST4.15pm BST
16:1516:15
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
Lisa O’Carroll has spoken to a witness to the Barking Road raidLisa O’Carroll has spoken to a witness to the Barking Road raid
Witnesss to Barking Road raid says two Romanians lived in flat, plus one Somalian https://t.co/BXTJpmSD7yWitnesss to Barking Road raid says two Romanians lived in flat, plus one Somalian https://t.co/BXTJpmSD7y
4.14pm BST
16:14
Full statement from Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau
Jamie Grierson
The prime minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement after last night’s terrorist attack, confirming a Canadian was killed:
Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people. I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed.
We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery.
Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We recently witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different.
These hateful acts do not deter us; they only strengthen our resolve. Canadians stand united with the British people. We will continue to work together with the United Kingdom and all our allies to fight terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.
The government of Canada will not comment further at this time out of respect for the family.
Updated
at 4.17pm BST
4.12pm BST
16:12
Haroon Siddique
All signs are that the police cordon will remain in place overnight, which is likely to cause major disruption if still in place on Monday morning.
One police officer said the hope was that the cordon would be lifted by tomorrow morning. Officers have also been advising people allowed into the cordon – because they live within the area taped off or are staying in hotels there – to stock up on food to save them having to cross in and out of the cordon again.
Updated
at 4.14pm BST
4.06pm BST
16:06
Canadian killed in London attacks - Justin Trudeau
The Press Association reports a Canadian national was among those killed in the London Bridge terror attack, the country’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has said.
Updated
at 4.09pm BST
4.05pm BST
16:05
Lisa O'Carroll
Rashid Rehman, who runs a fish shop nearby who saw the police raid on the flat above Paddy Power, said: “The swat teams came from the back and the front, there were police with machine guns.”
4.02pm BST
16:02
A series of images have come into the Guardian picture desk of a raid at an address in Barking, showing a number of women being led away in handcuffs.
Updated
at 4.06pm BST
3.55pm BST
15:55
Nadia Khomami
Giovanni Sagristani and his friends were in El Pastor restaurant on Stoney Street last night when one of the attackers came in and stabbed a woman in the chest.
“He came in shouting and just stabbed her,” Sagristani told the BBC.
His partner, Carlos Pintos, who works as a critical care nurse, attended to the woman, with the help of his friend, also a nurse.
“They took some ice and cloths and tried to stop the bleeding,” Sagristani said. “She lost half a litre of blood in the beginning. He was keeping pressure on the wound.”
He said fellow diners threw chairs and bottles at the attacker and pushed him out the restaurant. Once he was outside, staff lowered the security gate and locked customers inside.
“After the initial moment of panic everyone tried to help this girl and stay calm. We were all at the back of the restaurant. There were shots going off outside and we didn’t know what was going on.”
It was more than two hours before paramedics were able to attend to the scene. “They kept her conscious, it was very lucky they were there,” he said.
Updated
at 3.59pm BST
3.55pm BST
15:55
PM made private visit to victims in hospital - Number 10
Sarah Marsh
Theresa May made a private visit to King’s College London hospital to hear firsthand accounts from patients and staff on Sunday afternoon. No 10 confirmed that the visit had been made but said no media was invited.
Updated
at 3.58pm BST
3.52pm BST
15:52
My colleague, Lisa O’Carroll, is on location at a raided property in Barking.
This is the flat the police have raided - above a Paddy Power on Barking Road, East Ham pic.twitter.com/5rvy7QSSHR
3.51pm BST
15:51
Our colleague Alan Travis points out that Iain Duncan Smith (see 2.02pm) does not seem aware that the Tpim legislation was updated in 2015 to allow terror suspects to be forced to move home.
. IDS a bit behind the curve on this one. Tpims given more powers in 2015, inc excluding suspects from London but still only handful used. pic.twitter.com/QSO8EzPttc
3.51pm BST
15:51
Haroon Siddique
Jane Cummings, chief nursing officer for England, and Sir Bruce Keogh, national medical director for NHS England, said in a joint statement:
The appalling events in London last night follow all too fast on the heels of the dreadful attacks we have seen on Westminster Bridge and in Manchester over recent weeks. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
On each occasion we have seen both the worst and the best of humanity. Last night, once again, the NHS and other emergency services reacted swiftly and heroically, going towards the danger to help the injured.
Tried and tested emergency plans were activated, with London ambulance service on the scene within six minutes. NHS staff across the capital have also volunteered to work extra shifts and through the night to help the emergency response.
As the medical director and chief nurse of the NHS in England we would like to put on record our gratitude and thanks to everyone for their tireless efforts and commitment in what has been a very difficult period.
Updated
at 3.55pm BST