Londoners hold an emotional tribute to those killed by terror
- Text by Theo McInnes // Michael Segalov
- Photography by Theo McInnes
It was just after 10pm on Saturday night when the London ambulance service received its first phone call from London Bridge. According to a caller, a white van had ploughed into pedestrians right in the heart of the capital. Just a minute later the police would receive the same report.
For three men, this was the start of a bloody rampage – one that would leave 48 injured and at least seven dead. The indiscriminate killing, just weeks after a suicide bomber in Manchester caused deadly havoc, has left London shaken.
While a police cordon remained in place around parts of the London Bridge and Borough Market area, the identities of the killers and those brutally murdered still being released by the authorities, Londoners gathered together just a stone’s throw from where the incident took place to stand united in mourning and defiance.
Flowers were placed down in tribute by religious leaders, emergency service bosses and politicians from parties across the political spectrum. Rain might have been falling heavily in Potters Fields beside City Hall, but thousands turned out regardless. A minute’s silence was held by all those present. Another will take place at 11am on Tuesday morning.
A sombre mood was felt through the gathered crowds, but so too was a sense of strength and defiance. The nature of these recent attacks in Britain might well leave you shaken; being afraid is nothing to be ashamed of. But last night Londoners turned up to say they would not cower. To say that whatever happens London will continue to thrive.
Photographer Theo McInnes headed down to capture the vigil.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski and Andrea Arnold on ‘Bird’
The new issue of Little White Lies brings Andrea Arnold’s sixth feature to life with a thematic voyage down the Thames estuary.
Written by: Maisy Hunter
“A party is a microcosm of a nation”: Caleb Femi on the decline of the house party
To celebrate the publication of his new collection ‘The Wickedest’, Isaac Muk caught up with Femi to talk more about the work, the future of the shoobs, and discuss why having it large on a Saturday night should be cherished.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Celebrating 20 years of The Mighty Boosh
A new exhibition takes a look behind the scenes of the iconic show two decades after its BBC3 premiere.
Written by: Isaac Muk
We Run Mountains: Black Trail Runners tackle Infinite Trails
Soaking up the altitude and adrenaline at Europe’s flagship trail running event, high in the Austrian Alps, with three rising British runners of colour.
Written by: Phil Young
The organisation levelling the playing field in the music industry
Founded in 2022, The Name Game is committed to helping female, non-binary and trans people navigate the industry.
Written by: Djené Kaba
Vibrant, rebellious portraits of young Cubans
A new photobook captures the young people redefining Cuban identity amidst increased economic and political turbulence on the Caribbean island.
Written by: Isaac Muk