Londoners and visitors to the capital were among those killed or injured in the atrocity
ADVERTISEMENTA Canadian and French national are among those who perished in Saturday’s terror attack in central London.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed the death of a French citizen among the seven others killed in the attack perpetrated by three blade-wielding men.
“Quatre compatriotes sont blessés et il y a semble-t-il une personne particulièrement touchée”, annonce Jean-Yves Le Drian sur franceinfo pic.twitter.com/l7MBEoesLQ
— franceinfo (@franceinfo) June 4, 2017
Le Drian added that seven French citizens are among the injured, four of them sustained serious injuries. One other French citizen remains unaccounted for.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the death of a Canadian citizen in the “hateful” attack.
Please read my statement on the terrorist attack last night in London, which claimed the life of a Canadian: https://t.co/RZeZfgtslU
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 4, 2017
Trudeau said in a statement: “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.
According to CBC News, the victim, Christine Archibald, died after being struck on London Bridge. She was from Castelgar, British Colombia, worked in a homeless shelter and had moved to London to be with her fiancé.
RIP Christine Archibald.
First victim named in #LondonAttackspic.twitter.com/K5BHtpcmU1— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) June 5, 2017
A statement from the family of Chrissy Archibald, the first named fatality from the #LondonAttacks. The last three sentences are wonderful. pic.twitter.com/6ey4PyXu9W
— Stewart Wood (@StewartWood) June 4, 2017
According to the CBC, Archibald’s fiancé, Tyler Ferguson, watched her die in his arms.
“She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected,” read a statement from the Archibald family confirming her Christine’s death. “She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.”
The two had just recently got engaged months before and had plans to return to British Colombia.
People from all around the world were caught up in the atrocity on the streets of London on Saturday night.
Londoners and visitors to one of the most multicultural cities on earth were enjoying themselves in restaurants, pubs and bars when the three terrorists struck shortly after 10pm.
Among the 48 people injured in the London attack, are a journalist for the Sunday Express and a British Transport police officer.
Journalist Geoff Ho, was left in intensive care following Saturday’s attack.
A report for the newspaper said he was a hero for confronting the attackers.
He posted online moments before: “Don’t know whether it was stupid or noble to jump in and break up the fight outside the Southwark Tavern, but two a***s trying to do over the lone bouncer on the door isn’t happening on my watch.”
Sunday Express editor Martin Townsend paid tribute, saying: “We are all hoping and praying for a speedy recovery.”
A British Transport Police officer, armed with only his baton, took on the attackers.
Armed with a baton, our brave officer faced the London Bridge attackers.
We’re extremely proud of him and every single emergency responder. https://t.co/rwUj2EqFGk
— BTP (@BTP) June 4, 2017
Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “Although he is seriously unwell, he was able to recount how he faced the attackers armed only with his baton, outside London Bridge station.”
ADVERTISEMENTAn off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also among those injured.
New Zealander Oliver Dowling, 32, was stabbed in the face, neck and stomach and was in an induced coma, according to a report shared by his sister on Facebook.
His girlfriend Marie Bondeville was also injured, according to the report.
Australian Candice Hedge was named as a victim by the Courier Mail.
She was dining with her boyfriend when she was stabbed in the neck, the report said.
ADVERTISEMENTAustralian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said: “We are aware of reports of two Australians who have been directly affected by this attack.
“This afternoon the Foreign Minister spoke to the parents of both Australians. One case has been confirmed and that Australian concerned is in hospital.
“In the other case, we are continuing to make inquiries. Our officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by this shocking attack and their families.”