Latest news with #July7
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How the horror unfolded: A timeline of events 20 years on from the horrific 7/7 London bombings that killed 52
It has been 20 years since the horrific July 7 bombings in London that killed 52 people, including the bombers, and injured nearly 800. Click the video above to watch how the events unfolded.
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UK marks London 7/7 attacks as king hails 'spirit of unity'
The UK on Monday commemorated the 20th anniversary of the London July 7 bombings that killed 52 people, as King Charles III paid tribute to the spirit of unity shown after the atrocity. To mark the moment the first bomb went off Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in the capital's Hyde Park at 8:50 am (0750 GMT). On July 7, 2005, four homegrown extremists detonated suicide bombs on three underground trains and a bus across central London, killing dozens and injuring hundreds more. The city is holding events to mark the anniversary, with members of the royal family expected to join survivors, bereaved relatives and emergency services personnel at commemorations. The king urged people to draw on the "extraordinary courage and compassion" shown following the attack. "We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil -- and the enduring grief of their loved ones," he said in a statement published by the domestic Press Association news agency. "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," he said. 'We stood together' Daniel Biddle, who was 26 when he lost both legs and his left eye, recalled the moment he saw one of the bombers prepare to detonate his explosive just after their train pulled out of the Edgware Road station. "I saw the guy lean forward and look along the carriage," he told BBC radio. "I was just about to ask him what he was staring at, what his problem was, then he reached for his bag and there was a brilliant white light. That's a face seared into my mind," he said. Biddle said the anniversary would be "one of those days where you're thankful you've survived it". But he said he still felt "immense sadness and grief" at the suffering the four suicide bombers had inflicted. "I feel like I'm living the life sentence of the men that should be serving," he said. Other bombs went off on London's underground train network near Aldgate station and King's Cross station. An hour after the first explosion, a fourth bomb exploded on the top deck of a double-decker bus in Tavistock Square. Starmer said the bombers had tried to divide the nation but 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." The king's brother Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife Sophie will attend a a national service of commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral. Charles added that "while the horrors will never be forgotten", the country "may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together". "It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal," he said. Tony Blair, who was prime minister during the 7/7 bombings, said the UK was safer in the years since the attacks. "We're a lot safer from terrorism because the security services have a very good system in place," he said. "But there will be a problem as long as the ideology exists." Speaking ahead of the anniversary, interior minister Yvette Cooper also warned that Islamist and right-wing extremism remained the country's most significant threats.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Victims of July 7 attacks remembered 20 years on with service at St Paul's
The Prime Minister and Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were among those who gathered to mark the 20th anniversary of the July 7 London bombings at St Paul's Cathedral. Four co-ordinated attacks on three Tube trains and a double-decker bus killed 52 people and left several hundred injured in the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil. Sir Keir and the royals were joined by Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, survivors, emergency responders and bereaved relatives at the commemorative ceremony. Earlier the Prime Minister and Sir Sadiq laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am on Monday, to coincide with the time that the first bomb went off. They were joined by officials including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Chief Constable of British Transport Police Lucy D'Orsi who also laid floral tributes. In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, Sir Keir said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. '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.' Mayor of London Sir Sadiq said Londoners 'will always choose hope over fear and unity over division'. 'We remember the 52 people whose lives were cruelly stolen on that dark day and our thoughts and prayers remain with all of their loved ones, as well as the more than 700 people who were injured by these cowardly acts of hatred. 'We also pay tribute to those who ran towards danger on that terrible day. 'From emergency service personnel, to transport workers and members of the public who showed incredible courage and compassion by putting their own safety at risk to help those in need, their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. 'Two decades on – as we unite for a day of commemoration – I have a clear message for those who seek to spread division and sow hatred – you will never win. 'London's determination to stand together is stronger than ever. We will always choose hope over fear and unity over division as we continue building a safer London for everyone.' In his message to mark the anniversary, the King said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. He 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 remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. '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.' The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. He said: 'While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. 'It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 'As we remember those we lost, let us, therefore, use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.'
ITV News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- ITV News
7/7 bombings: London remembers 'senseless act of evil' which killed 52 people on 20th anniversary
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.'
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Darlington women who were caught up in London July 7 attacks look back 20 years on
Two Darlington women have recalled their panic in London 20 years ago today as the city came under attack by terrorists. For Liz Lamb and Hayley Jones, July 7, 2005 is a day they will never forget. On that Thursday morning a group of four Islamic suicide bombers carried out the UK's deadliest terrorist attack since the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 near Lockerbie. (Image: PA) Within 50 seconds of each other at about 8.50am, three explosions rang out in the vicinity of Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square stations. Just under an hour later, at 9.47am, a fourth device exploded on a bus that had been diverted via Tavistock Square. Frantic commuters were initially told there was a "power surge" as they were directed to find other modes of transport. But, the situation soon became clear when police began to swarm streets and cordon off underground stations. Exiting Kings Cross station just as its underground station was closed was Liz Lamb. Liz, who was a reporter for The Northern Echo at the time, had travelled to London to cover a court case. Liz Lamb, 48. (Image: LIZ LAMB) "I was going to cover a court case at the High Court of Justice and was set to meet the barrister in Holborn," Liz, 48, said. "My train from Darlington that day was a bit delayed and I should have got into London a little earlier than I did. Potentially, I could have been on the underground when one of the devices was detonated. "But when I got off the train there was a guard with his arms outstretched, saying 'you can't come down'. There was a whole load of us there. "He said 'there has been a power surge' but couldn't say when it would be fixed and he didn't know what was happening. "Everyone was a bit disgruntled, but we didn't think much of it." The mum-of-two's next move was to take a bus to the High Court - which was travelling on the same route as the double decker that would soon explode at Tavistock Square. It was at this point that she started to see police, ambulances and fire engines across the city. "On the bus we were thinking, 'What the heck is going on?'," she added. Walking wounded leaving Edgware Road tube station to be treated at the London Hilton Metropole on Edgware Road. (Image: EDMOND TERAKOPIAN) "There was a lot of panic. I remember speaking to my mum on the phone very briefly and said that there was something strange going on." By the time she emerged from the court an hour later, phone networks were down and news had broke about attacks across the city. Luckily, Liz, now a lecturer in journalism at the University of Sunderland, was able to board a train home that evening - but every year on the anniversary of the attacks, she thinks of those who lost their lives that day. She added: "It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since that fateful day. Even though it was two decades ago, it was such a horrific attack on our nation that it is not something easily forgotten. "My memories of 7/7 have faded in places, but when I read my own account recently, I became teary just recalling the sheer emotion and panic of that day, as people desperately tried to find out if their loved ones were alive. The Northern Echo's front page on July 8, 2005. "So many people lost their lives, entire families were torn apart. Others were maimed and scarred for life, and countless others – including rail and underground workers, emergency services, and medical staff – were left traumatised by the horrors they witnessed. "I visited London a week after the attacks to write a tribute piece, and I was overwhelmed by the sense of community and the floral tributes across King's Cross and Russell Square, which had come from across the country and around the world. "It wasn't just an attack on the United Kingdom; it was an attack on humanity. My thoughts are always with those who lost their lives, and their loved ones left behind." Also in London on July 7 was Hayley Jones - who works for Darlington Borough Council. Hayley, who left The Northern Echo in 2006, was in the city with colleagues for an awards ceremony on July 6 and was waiting for a train home on July 7. Hayley Jones, 50. (Image: HAYLEY JONES) Reflecting, Hayley told the Echo: "We were just sat waiting for our train on the concourse. The first thing we saw was a woman who had soot across her face. We thought, that's a bit odd. "Then we saw another couple of people in the same way and a police officer screamed for us to get out. They told us it was a power surge so we waited outside the station thinking we would be let back in." The first Hayley, 50, heard of the attacks was on TV alongside a crowd of people craning to see the screen as others heard a bomb had gone off on a bus. According to Hayley, buses were abandoned and taxis refused to stop as she made her way to a pub where the news blared out emerging information about what was going on. "When we were walking I got paranoid thinking what will they do next? I had convinced myself that there would be bombs in the bins. Walking wounded leaving Edgware Road tube station to be treated at the London Hilton Metropole on Edgware Road. (Image: PA) "Eventually we managed to get on a train up north and at every station there were paramedics checking on people and handing out water. "It was scary - but it was when I got home and turned the telly on that I realised how close we were to it really." More than 770 people were injured and 52 people tragically died in the attacks. In the weeks and months that followed, the four attackers were identified as Hasib Hussain, Mohammad Sidique Khan, Germaine Lindsay and Shehzad Tanweer. Read more about the July 7 attacks: BBC to air documentary series about response to July 7 London bombings Family's anguish at 7/7 inquest evidence Ten years after terror struck London Leeds man Hussain, 18, was behind the Tavistock Square attack that killed 13 people. Thirty-year-old Khan, of Dewsbury, detonated his device at Edgeware Road, killing six. Flowers left in Woburn Place, near the scene of the bus bomb blast in Tavistock Square. (Image: PA) Behind the deadliest attack, at Russell Square, was 19-year-old Lindsay from London - who killed 26 people with his device that exploded just after it pulled out of King's Cross station. Tanweer detonated his device on a train between Liverpool Street and Aldgate. The 22-year-old, from Bradford, killed seven people. All four men died when they detonated their devices. A memorial service will be held in Hyde Park at 11.15am today where a memorial stands to those who lost their lives. It will be live streamed online.
