Hospitality workers among those praised for ‘extraordinary courage’ following London Bridge attack

Hospitality workers were among the members of the public praised for their “extraordinary courage” in confronting a knifeman who murdered two people in Friday’s terrorist attack.

A hospitality worker named only as Lukasz and a maintenance worker called Andy were among those who tackled Usman Khan, who had been wearing a fake suicide vest.

Chief executive of Fishmongers’ Hall Toby Williamson told BBC News Lukasz had been cleaning glasses in the basement of Fishmongers’ Hall, where the attack had begun, when he heard screams and as a trained first-aider ran to help.

Williamson said he grabbed a stick and charged at the attacker engaging him one-on-one combat, during which Lukasz sustained five wounds to his left side.

Emergency services were called to the hall on London Bridge just before 2pm on Friday. Khan had murdered Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, at a prisoner rehabilitation event held at the venue before running on to the bridge where he was restrained by Lukasz, Andy and members of the public before being shot dead by armed police.

Williamson said the actions of Andy and Lukasz were "extraordinary things done by ordinary people". He added: "They are two of the most humble people... but in the heat of the moment, people do extraordinary things. I am very proud to know them."

Metropolitan Police commissioner, Cressida Dick, is among those to have praised the actions of members of the public. She said: “I also want to thank the members of the public who have helped, either by showing extraordinary courage by stepping in or by following the instructions they’ve been given by officers at the scene and in the area. This support from our public assists us more than you could know.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was among politicians from across parties to add their praise. He spoke of their "breathtaking heroism" in running "towards danger, not knowing what confronted them".

Khan, 28, was a convicted terrorist released from prison in 2018.