7/7 bombings: London remembers 'senseless act of evil' which killed 52 people on 20th anniversary

ITV News

5 days ago

London has marked the 20th anniversary of the July 7th bombings, which killed 52 people and injured more than 770 on three Underground trains and a bus.
Four suicide bombers struck the capital's transport network in 2005. Three devices were detonated on London Underground trains at Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square and a fourth on a bus at Tavistock Square.
Memorial services have taken place throughout the day to remember the victims.
The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am on Monday, to coincide with the moment the first bomb went off.
Officials including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Chief Constable of British Transport Police Lucy D'Orsi also laid floral tributes.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed for ever. We honour the courage shown that day – the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror.
'Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then and we stand together now – against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.'
More wreath-laying memorials took place across the capital on Monday morning including the London Ambulance Service at Waterloo and the British Medical Association at Tavistock Square.
A minute's silence was held at 8:49am.
Meanwhile, families of those killed in the series of bombs on the Tube network 20 years ago attended services at the Underground stations affected for a wreath laying ceremony to mark the anniversary.
King's Cross held a minute's silence at 08:49am, while those at Tavistock Square took part in one at 09:47am when the fourth and final device detonated on a bus killing 13 passengers onboard.
A National Service of Commemoration was held at St Paul's Cathedral on Monday.
The Dean of St Paul's Cathedral told the 1,200-strong congregation to pray for peace.
Speaking inside the London cathedral during the July 7 memorial service, the Very Rev Andrew Tremlett said: 'We gather in this cathedral church to mark the solemn anniversary of an act of terror inflicted on our city on this day 20 years ago… We continue to commemorate a moment in time that left deep scars in the soul of our capital.'
He praised those who had helped survivors on the day and said the dome of St Paul's was 'so often a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity'.
Among those who attended were The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Sadiq Khan.
The Mayor of London reminded people of how London came together during the attacks 20 years ago.
Speaking to ITV News London Sadiq Khan said: " What you saw on the 7th of July was the very worst of humanity, but also the very best of humanity and the very best of London.
"We didn't just stand united against terrorism, we stood united to help each other out during those difficult few hours, days, weeks and months; and I think 20 years on, we are united.
"But we've got to remind ourselves that there are still people who want to cause us harm. We've got to remind ourselves that terrorists still want to cause damage to us and our way of life.
"We stand united not just against terrorists, but united to celebrate our diversity. To remind ourselves all the great things going for us in London, but also to remember, unfortunately, those 52 people whose lives were lost."
The King also marked the anniversary saying people should remember the victims of attacks on three London Underground trains and a bus, but also the stories of courage and compassion that day.
In a message King Charles said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day.
'We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass.
'In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day.
'The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.'