The people who “valiantly” brought down the killer who stabbed a young man and woman to death on London Bridge in 2019 have been commended for their bravery.
The ceremony recognised the “heroism” of members of the public, police officers and first responders who stepped in to confront Usman Khan after he killed Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones and injured others in Fishmongers Hall on November 29, 2019.
Metropolitan police commissioner Cressida Dick awarded the commendations at the event last Friday (October 29) alongside City of London police commissioner Ian Dyson.
An inquest earlier this year found failings by police and MI5 over how Khan was managed after being released from prison. He was let out on licence in 2018 after being imprisoned for eight years for terrorism offences.
Fishmongers’ Hall deaths: Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones victims of ‘unlawful killing’
Khan was shot dead by police on the bridge after being cornered by members of the public in the aftermath of the killings of Mr Merritt and Ms Jones.
Commissioner Dick said: “It is right and proper that we have gathered to recognise the selfless acts of heroism by the public and our first responders, when in late 2019, the lives of two promising young people were violently taken in an act of terror.
“It was just before 2pm when the attack started and many members of the public immediately responded, giving no thought to their own safety in order to stop the attacker and help those seriously injured. Shortly after, officers from both the City of London and Metropolitan Police, along with other emergency service colleagues, were called to London Bridge to face a deadly threat. Our officers showed the very best of policing. They did so without hesitation, putting their own lives at risk to protect the public and save lives.
“It is beyond doubt that the members of the public who confronted the attacker and every officer who responded demonstrated formidable bravery.
“Although we’ll be celebrating and commending some truly remarkable feats, it is done with an enduring sadness, knowing that despite such heroic efforts, it was not enough to save Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones, who were tragically killed; our thoughts continue to be with their families and loved-ones and with everyone affected by the awful events.”
Family and friends pay tribute to London Bridge terror victims Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones
Mr Merritt and Ms Jones were stabbed to death by Khan at a criminal rehabilitation event.
An inquest earlier this year found failings by police and MI5 over how Khan was managed after being released from prison. He was let out on licence in 2018 after being imprisoned for eight years for terrorism offences.
Police giving evidence at the inquest said that Khan strapped eight-inch knives to his hands before attacking Merritt and Jones shortly before 2pm at the event. They both died at about 2.30pm, despite receiving treatment from other people at the event and paramedics.
Khan inflicted serious stab wounds on two other people, but they both survived. Others received minor injuries.
Three men from the event bravely pursued Khan out onto London Bridge as police arrived. Khan was wearing what appeared to be a suicide vest, which was later discovered to be a “hoax”, made of a “slimming belt”, a battery charger and X-Box components. He was shot several times and died shortly afterwards.
A later inquest found that he was “lawfully killed”.
Family of London Bridge attacker Usman Khan: ‘We’re shocked and saddened’
City of London police commissioner Ian Dyson said it was an honour to commend the people involved in responding “valiantly” to the “horrific” attack.
“They will say, “I was just doing my job”, or “I did what anyone else would do”, but their actions are truly remarkable,” he added.
“It is humbling to hear such examples of exceptional courage, selflessness and dedication, as we also remember Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt – two young people who also demonstrated these qualities in abundance throughout their lives, which were tragically cut short that day.
“I am extremely proud of everyone who has been commended and would like to express my gratitude to their loved ones, whose unwavering support will have been a great comfort as they come to terms with the effects of the attack, and also to those who dedicated countless hours to the investigation and inquests. I am honoured that so many of them could be here to witness their loved ones receiving their commendations.”