London service commemorates Westminster terror attack victims on 5th anniversary

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - The victims of a terror attack that killed five people and wounded more than 40 others in central London were commemorated in a special service on Tuesday.

The service held at St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the terror attacks on Westminster Bridge and New Palace Yard was also attended by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Johnson said he was at the service to “celebrate the lives of Andreea, Aysha, Kurt and Leslie”, the four victims who were ploughed down by a car on the bridge.

“They were each taken from us far too soon.”

“But they each live on in all our hearts and in the memories of those they loved, and those who loved them around the world,” he added.

Johnson also celebrated “the extraordinary heroism” of PC Keith Palmer, the police officer who was stabbed by the attacker on the same day while protecting the parliament.

“A man whose actions that bright spring day showed him to be truly the best among us, and whose courage and sacrifice remain an inspiration to us all.”

On March 22, 2017, Khalid Masood, a 52-year-old Briton, killed pedestrians on the bridge when he mowed them down, before stabbing a police officer Keith Palmer who was on duty in front of the parliament.

The victims on the bridge were Kurt Cochran, Leslie Rhodes, Aysha Frade, and Andreea Cristea.

Masood was shot dead by police at the scene.

People laid flowers on the anniversary at a memorial for Palmer in front of the parliament and at the Westminster Bridge where four civilians were killed.

The service also saw the attendance of Home Secretary Priti Patel and Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick.