Hundreds of people gathered outside City Hall on Monday to pay tribute to victims of last week’s terrorist attack which claimed seven lives.
The vigil took place at Potters Fields Park, less than a mile from where three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in Borough Market.
A minute’s silence was held, and floral wreaths were laid by senior representatives of the emergency services, religious groups and members of the public.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I want to send a clear message to the sick and evil extremists who commit these hideous crimes. We will defeat you. You will not win.
“And as a proud and patriotic Muslim, I say this: you do not commit these disgusting acts in my name.”
Among those in the crowd paying respects was Samyna Motalib, who witnessed the attack on her way home from work at a local jewellery shop.
“These cowards that acted this way, I do not see them as Muslims,” said the 29-year-old.
“They want to create hatred, they want to create a divide, they go by a barbaric ideology.”
She added: “Now is the time to come together as citizens to unite different faiths and show what makes this country so special.”
Jamie Downes, a 26-year-old graphic designer, was also near the site of the attacks as they unfolded on Saturday and came to pay tribute.
“I can’t understand why people do the things they do, but it doesn’t matter why,” said Mr. Downes.
“All that matters is that love and unity will bring us closer and that these kinds of things won’t be around forever. They’ll eventually succumb.”
NHS England said 36 injured people remain in hospital after the attacks, while 18 of them are still in critical condition.
