Two French citizens injured in London terror attack

One of the two victims has been seriously injured, according to a statement from French President Emmanuel Macron's office.

Greg Wilford
Sunday 04 June 2017 15:51 BST
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Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist attack at Borough Market
Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist attack at Borough Market (PA)

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that at least two French citizens were injured as terrorists launched a fatal van and knife attack at London Bridge last night.

Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured as three terrorists ploughed into pedestrians in a white Hertz hire van before crashing the vehicle near Southwark Cathedral and stabbing random victims in Borough market.

The attackers reportedly donned fake suicide vests and shouted "this is for Allah" as they maimed revellers and a police officer with 12-inch knives.

All three men were shot dead when armed police arrived at the scene within minutes.

Among the victims was New Zealander Oliver Dowling, who was stabbed in the face, neck, and stomach, and remains in an induced coma in hospital, according to Newshub.

A British Transport Police officer was also seriously injured after being stabbed in the face, head, and leg.

The Elysee Palace in Paris confirmed that one of the two French citizens known to be injured in the attack is in a serious condition in a statement this morning.

It read: "The attack which struck London, days after that which took place in Manchester, is a new abominable and cowardly attack against our free society.

"Fellow French citizens are among the injured. France is putting everything in place to assist them."

Mr Macron joined several world leaders in offering support to the UK on social media, tweeting: "In the face of this tragedy, France is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom. My thoughts go to the victims and their loved ones."

General election campaigning has been suspended in the wake of the attack.

On London Bridge, eyewitnesses reported seeing several people lying injured on the pavement or the middle of the road, after a white van began mowing people down some time after 10pm.

Police said the suspects then made their way to Borough Market and started attacking people with people with knives. There were reports of Londoners out for a Saturday night, fending off the attackers with chairs and glasses.

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick confirmed that seven victims have died and says police are working to identify the attackers.

Additional reporting by agencies.

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