London Bridge attack anniversary: Memorial held for victims as Theresa May says London's resolve against terrorism has never been stronger

A year ago, eight people were killed and dozens more injured when three Isis-inspired terrorists used a van to run over pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people at bars and restaurants in the nearby Borough Market.

Ahead of a minute’s silence to commemorate the victims, Theresa May said Britain’s resolve to “stand firm” against terrorism has never been stronger.

The one-year anniversary of the atrocity was marked by a service at Southwark Cathedral, near London Bridge, and the words #LondonUnited were projected onto the bridge itself.

The prime minister described the attack as a “cowardly attempt to strike at the heart of our freedoms by deliberately targeting people enjoying their Saturday night with friends and family”.

Khuram Butt, 27, Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, the attackers, were shot dead by police eight minutes after the first emergency call was made.

Ms May said: “Today we remember those who died and the many more who were injured, and also pay tribute to the bravery of our emergency services and those who intervened or came to the aid of others.

“The many stories of courage demonstrated that night will always stay with me – such as Ignacio Echeverria, who died after confronting the terrorists with the only thing he had, his skateboard, and Geoff Ho, who spent almost two weeks in hospital after being stabbed in the neck as he shielded his friends.”

Those killed in the attack included Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, James McMullan, 32, from Hackney, French men Alexandre Pigeard, 26, Sebastien Belanger, 36 and Xavier Thomas, 45, Australians Kirsty Boden, 28 and Sara Zelenak, 21, and Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria, 39.

She said the range of nationalities was “a reflection of our great cosmopolitan capital, whose energy and values brings together people from across the world, and a tragic reminder that the threat from terrorism transcends borders and impacts us all”.

She added: “My message to those who seek to target our way of life or try to divide us is clear – our resolve to stand firm and overcome this threat together has never been stronger.”

A service of commemoration was held at Southwark Cathedral on Sunday afternoon to remember those who were killed and injured in the attack, as well as to honour the emergency services’ response.

The Dean of Southwark Cathedral, Andrew Nunn, read the names of those killed in the attack as he welcomed their families, friends, and others who were injured, along with dignitaries, to the service.

He said: “I hope it helps our healing. Whatever your hopes are, whatever your pain is, whatever has kept you awake at night, whatever anger, sorrow or guilt you are feeling: God is here for you.

“Love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness and life is stronger than death.

“It was true a year ago. It is as true today.”

Candles were lit by relatives of the victims during a private ceremony and the 700-strong congregation held a minute’s silence.

Later, an olive tree known as the Tree of Healing was planted in the cathedral grounds, using compost from floral tributes left on the bridge in the aftermath of the murders.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said the city would honour the victims of terror attacks “through our actions and standing united against terrorism and in hope for the future”.

He said: “Our city faced some incredibly difficult times last year, with the terrorist attacks in Westminster, London Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green.

“The cowardly terrorists who commit these horrific acts do so to try to divide us, to fuel fear and to change how we treat one another. I’m proud of the way we have responded: standing united in defiance and staying true to our values and way of life.”

A procession from the cathedral to Southwark Needle, at the corner of London Bridge and Duke Street Hill, took place following the ceremony.

The chief executive of Southwark Council, Eleanor Kelly, read the names of the dead as their relatives laid floral tributes.

It was followed by a minute’s silence.

Several of those injured in the attacks then laid flowers, followed by senior political and police figures.

A floral wreath from Ms May laid at the Southwark Needle read: “We will never forget those who died and will never surrender to hatred and division.”

Mr Khan’s tribute read: “Our city will never forget you. We stand united against terrorism and together in remembering the innocent lives lost.”

Jeremy Corbyn said his thoughts were with all of those affected in the attack.

The Labour leader tweeted: ”Just as after the attacks in Manchester and Finsbury Park, our communities stood together and refused to be divided, even in the face of great tragedy.”

He also praised Wayne Marques, a police officer who was stabbed as he confronted all three attackers.

Mr Corbyn added: “I was honoured to present a #PrideofBritain award to PC Wayne Marques who risked his life during the attack. I pay tribute to our emergency services who are first to respond to these horrific acts and put themselves on the line to keep us safe every day.”

The attack on London Bridge was one of several atrocities committed in Britain in 2017 involving Islamist or far-right extremists, which left a total of 36 people dead.

Britain’s official threat level terrorism remains at “severe,” the second highest of five levels, meaning an attack is highly likely.

On Sunday, the government warned the UK faces a severe threat from Islamist terrorism for at least another two years.

It also said the threat posed by far-right extremism is growing. Sajid Javid, the home secretary, said he plans to recruit 2,000 new security service officers to help combat the threat.