The families of the two Barking terrorists who killed eight people in the London Bridge attack have condemned their actions.
Relatives of Khuram Shazad Butt and the ex-partner of Rachid Redouane distanced themselves from the extremists, saying they were “shocked and appalled” by what happened.
In a statement, 27-year-old Butt’s family wrote: “As a family we are shocked and appalled by the actions of Khuram and his associates.
“We strongly condemn these actions.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families at this time.
“Now more than ever we need to work together to stop the actions of the mindless few who claim to be acting in the name of Islam.”
Redouane’s ex-partner, Charisse O’Leary, said she has “shed many tears for the people caught up in this horrific incident”.
In a statement released to the Press Association, she said her “heartfelt thoughts go out to all those murdered or injured” in the events of Saturday night.
“I am deeply shocked, saddened and numbed by the actions of my ex-partner who has killed and injured so many innocent people,” Miss O’Leary said, adding that she separated from the 30-year-old six months ago.
“We have a beautiful young daughter, that for the last six months has been our only bond and reason for contact.
“My thoughts and efforts now are with trying to bring up my daughter with the knowledge that some day I will have to try and explain to her why her father did what he did.
“I wish to make it absolutely clear, so there can be no doubt, I condemn his actions and do not support the beliefs he held that led to him committing this atrocity.”
Butt, Redouane and the third attacker, Youssef Zaghba, were all shot dead by police in Borough Market on Saturday after driving a white van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night then stabbing people randomly in Borough Market.
Five of their victims have been named by police as Canadian Chrissy Archibald, 30, French nationals Sebastian Belanger, 36, and Alexandre Pigeard, 26, Australian Sara Zelenak, 21, and nurse Kirsty Boden.
Relatives have also named Spanish bank worker Ignacio Echeverria, 39, and James McMullan, 32, from Hackney, as being among those killed, while a body that was found in the River Thames near Limehouse on Tuesday evening is believed to be that of missing 45-year-old Xavier Thomas, from France.
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