7/7 anniversary: London commemorates 52 bombing victims 18 years on

The terrorist bombing of three Underground stations and a double-decker bus constituted the worst attack on the capital since the Second World War.
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Today marks 18 since years since the deadliest act of terrorism the UK has ever seen.

On July 7 2005, four suicide bombers with rucksacks full of explosives attacked central London, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds more.

July 7 2005 saw the deadliest act of terrorism the UK has ever seen. July 7 2005 saw the deadliest act of terrorism the UK has ever seen.
July 7 2005 saw the deadliest act of terrorism the UK has ever seen.
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The terrorist bombing of three Underground stations and a double-decker bus constituted the worst attack on the capital since the Second World War, and remains the worst individual terrorist attrocity on British soil.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan says the city is in debt to the emergency services who came to London’s aid that day.

The three Tube bombs went off almost simultaneously during the weekday morning rush hour, close to three stations.

One was detonated just outside Liverpool Street station, the other outside Edgware Road and the third between Kings Cross and Russell Square.

The London Underground bombs killed 39 people.

One of the bombs was detonated just outside Edgware StationOne of the bombs was detonated just outside Edgware Station
One of the bombs was detonated just outside Edgware Station
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The fourth device was detonated just under an hour later at Tavistock Square, on the upper deck of the red London bus. Another 13 were died from this blast.

The bombers were later confirmed to be 30-year old Mohammad Sidique Khan, 24-year old Shehzad Tanweer and 19-year old Germaine Lindsay.

Hasib Hussain the bus bomber was only 18 years old.

It was revealed later that Sidique Khan, Tanweer and Hussain had travelled from Leeds early that morning, joining Lindsay at Luton, north of London.

A subsequent investigation found that two of the young men had been under surveillance and had possible links to Al Qaeda, but the extent of the terrorist group's involvement is not known.

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The four used easily available materials to make their bombs.

Sadiq Khan pays tribute to the victims of July 7 at the Hyde Park memorialSadiq Khan pays tribute to the victims of July 7 at the Hyde Park memorial
Sadiq Khan pays tribute to the victims of July 7 at the Hyde Park memorial

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Today we come together to mark the anniversary of the appalling terror attack on our city that took place on this day in 2005.

“We honour and remember the 52 people who tragically lost their lives and the more than 700 people who were injured in this cowardly act of hatred. We also pay tribute to those who ran towards danger that day, from emergency service personnel to transport workers and extraordinary members of the public who put their own safety at risk to help those in need.

“As Londoners, with each passing year, our determination to stand united only strengthens. As Mayor, I’m committed to continuing to work with communities, partners and the police to tackle the threat of terrorism and ensure that no stone is left unturned in building a safer London for everyone.”

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Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the abhorrent and senseless attacks on London’s transport network that took 52 lives and injured more than 700 people.

“It was one of London’s darkest days and a day we will never forget. Our thanks will always go to the heroes of London whose response to the worst of humanity demonstrated the best of us. Transport workers, the emergency services and members of the public will always be remembered for helping those injured without a moment’s hesitation.”

7/7 Memorial in Hyde Park7/7 Memorial in Hyde Park
7/7 Memorial in Hyde Park

In 2009 a permanent July 7 memorial was erected in Hyde Park.

Fifty-two stainless steel pillars stand together in four clusters in the south-eastern corner of the 350-acre site.

Each of the pillars represents one person who died, while each cluster symbolises one of the four locations where the bombs went off.