People in Nottinghamshire have reacted with shock and sadness to the London Bridge attack, with one politician branding it ‘a depraved assault targeting our way of life’, and many praising the speed of the emergency services.
Labour candidate for Nottingham East Chris Leslie called Saturday night’s incident ‘shocking’ but praised police for a ‘swift response’.
Shocking attack on innocent people at London Bridge. Such a depraved assault targeting our way of life. Thankful for swift police response.
— Chris Leslie (@ChrisLeslieMP) June 4, 2017
Notts Police have confirmed they are stepping up high visibility patrols following the attack.
Seven people were killed and 48 injured following the attack just after 10pm, which ended when three suspects were shot dead by police.
A white van hit pedestrians on London Bridge and continued to drive to Borough Market.
Suspects then left the van and a number of people were stabbed, including an on-duty British Transport Police officer responding to the incident – he sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Tragic events in our capital city last night. Those killed and injured by terrorism are in our thoughts and in our hearts. Stay strong.
— Alan Rhodes (@CllrAlanRhodes) June 4, 2017
Leader of the Labour Group at Nottinghamshire County Council, Alan Rhodes, described the attack as ‘tragic’.
Retired four-time boxing world champion Carl Froch sparked controversy when he sent a Tweet responding to Piers Morgan, who initially Tweeted: “Absolutely sickening events in London last night. This is war & we need to get very serious, very quickly, on how we fight these b*******.”
Froch then quoted Morgan’s Tweet and said: “The burial of 3,000 sick b******* on the watch list would be a good start!”
It led to hundreds of replies, with some accusing Froch of being irresponsible.
“It’s atrocious what’s going on but I’m sure that’ll only lead to a new wave of terrorists. Has to be another way.” said Paul Kennedy.
“You could just apologise really quickly for this Carl. Heat of the moment and all that,” added Colin Scott.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The police responded with great courage and speed with armed officers arriving within moments, shooting and killing the three suspects.
“On behalf of the country, I want to pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the police and emergency services and members of the public who defended others in the attack.
“This is the third terrorist attack Britain has experienced in the last three months.
“The security and intelligence agencies have also disrupted five plots since the Westminster attack in March.
“The attacks are not connected but we are experiencing a trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism.
“We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are and things need to change.
“Everyone needs to go about their lives as they normally should with political campaigning resuming tomorrow and the General Election going ahead as planned.
“United, we will take on and defeat our enemies.”
