Southwark Cathedral to mark first London Bridge attack anniversary

The Service of Commemoration at 3pm on Sunday 3rd June will also be open to survivors of the vehicle-ramming and stabbing, and members of the emergency services who tended to casualties.

In a statement, the Diocese of Southwark said: “At the end of the service, the Bishop of Southwark, Rt Revd Christopher Chessun will bless an olive tree: ‘The Tree of Healing’ as a permanent memorial to those who died.

“This will be planted using compost made from flowers left on London Bridge after the attack.”

Eight people were killed and 48 others were injured on Saturday 3rd June 2017 when a van driven ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge.

Three men then got out the vehicle and launched a knife attack in the nearby Borough Market. The men – thought to have been inspired by Islamic State to carry out their attack – were later shot dead by police.

Visitors to Southwark Cathedral on the anniversary date will be invited to light a candle in remembrance of the attack or attend an 11am Eucharist service.

In the evening, the landmark will host an Iftar – a religious service where observers of Ramadan break their fast together – including testimonies from those who were affected physically and mentally by the attack.

The statement continued: “Later in the day, Southwark Cathedral will host its second Grand Iftar which, this year, will…