In the wake of the London Bridge and Borough Market terror attacks in the English capital last night, one man has become a symbol of resilience.
As Londoners rallied around and offered shelter to those stranded, one man joined the masses of panic-stricken civilians and rushed away from the scene of terror… but God forbid he’d spill his beer.
With his no doubt over-priced pint in hand, he walked away from danger and people are praising him for his cool, calm response in the face of terror and his refusal to be cowed by fear.
The attack on London Bridge and Borough Market took place at around 10pm last night, and police have confirmed seven people have lost their lives. One of those hurt is a British Transport police officer who was stabbed after rushing to the scene to help the wounded. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Three attackers, who were wearing hoax bomb vests, mounted the curb in a white transit van, mowing down at least 20 pedestrians. They proceeded to get out of the vehicle and rampage through the streets towards Borough Market, brandishing long knives.
The attackers entered pubs and restaurants in the area, where eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos. Civilians were taken to nearby Guy’s Hospital with stab wounds.
Footage was shared to social media showing panic-stricken people hiding and seeking safety.
The three attackers were shot dead by police.
Their attack was brought to a swift end just eight minutes after the first emergency call was made at 10:08pm, The Met Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley confirmed in a statement.
More than 80 medics were sent to the areas of London Bridge, and adjacent Borough Market. The injured, some of them critical, are being treated in five London hospitals.
Londoners were quick to rally together and offer shelter – and a warm cup of tea – to those stranded in the area, after Transport for London closed London Bridge and neighbouring Southwark stations, along with further closures of Borough High Street and Lower Thames Street.
One cabbie, who chose to remain unidentified, even tried to mow down the attackers.
A third incident took place in Vauxhall last night, but has since been confirmed as an unrelated stabbing.
The Met Police have set up a casualty bureau on 0800 096 1233 and 020 7158 0197 for people concerned about friends or relatives
Police are asking anyone with footage of photographs of the attack to share them with authorities via the UK Police Image Appeal.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.