London terror attack: Residents open homes, offer food to those affected
LONDON -- As in Manchester two weeks ago, Londoners were quick to offer assistance to those caught up in the attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market.
Metropolitan Police said seven people died and more than 40 others were injured in two terror incidents in Central London.
The events unfolded around 10 p.m. GMT on Saturday when a vehicle mowed down pedestrians along the London Bridge. Police said three suspects exited the vehicle at the nearby Borough Market and attempted to stab people. The three suspects were shot and killed by police.
Phaldip Singh, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and youth activist, tweeted that Sikh Gurdwaras were open to provide food and shelter for those affected by the attacks. Gurdwaras are places of worship that traditionally serve simple meals to anyone, regardless of their religion.
The Royal Oak pub in Southwark opened its doors to people evacuated from hotels inside the area cordoned off by police. At least one minicab company tweeted an offer of free rides for people stranded in the area.
#Sikh Gurdwaras in #London are open to serve food and shelter to those affected by the #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket & #Vaxuall incident. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/CEImWf3J9c
— Phaldip Singh (@Phaldip) June 3, 2017
Julis Dein, 22, also offered people in the area shelter for the night. "If anyone is stranded, I have a space in Central London, near to Borough Market, Vauxhall, London bridge you [can] stay," he tweeted.
If anyone is stranded, I have a space in Central London, near to Borough Market / Vauxhall / London bridge you cn stay. Don't hesitate to dm
— Julius Dein (@JuliusDein) June 3, 2017
Others offered assistance for people near London Bridge, Streatham and Kennington Lane.
Anyone stuck for a place to go in London, we have a spare room in Streatham. #Londonbridge #Vauxhall
— JC Morley (@jcmorley87) June 3, 2017
Anyone in the #Vauxhall area who needs a place to come to, message me. We're on Kennington Lane 10 minutes up from the station
— Sam Frankl (@SamFrankl) June 3, 2017
If anybody is still stranded in #LondonBridge area we have tea, beer and shelter just outside the police cordon. All welcome
— Ben Frew (@bfrew14) June 4, 2017
If anyone needs a safe place to shelter in London Bridge/Borough DM me #LondonBridge
— Daisy Chute (@daisychute) June 3, 2017
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the incidents on Saturday, describing them as "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners."
He issued a statement early Sunday in which he urged the public to remain calm as the situation is still unfolding.
"This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night," Khan said. "I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."