Barking and Dagenham Council leader condemns Woolwich attack

Barking and Dagenham Council Leader Cllr Liam Smith (Image: Archant)

Speaking in the wake of the attack that left one man dead and two others shot by armed police before being arrested, Cllr Smith said the actions of the attackers “must and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms”.

He added that the local community was “enriched by the different cultures that create it” and, echoing the sentiments of Prime Minister David Cameron, said terrorist attacks would “never succeed”.

Witnesses to yesterday’s attack claimed to see two men brandishing weapons at the scene of the incident in John Wilson Street, south east London.

Footage was also shown of a man, whose hands were covered in blood, making a series of religious statements in relation to the attack.

Cllr Smith, who is cabinet member for the Armed Forces, said: “Our first thoughts must be with the victim of this despicable attack. We also send our condolences to his family, friends and to his regiment all of whom must feel utterly devastated.

“This was a vile and abhorrent attack on our democratic way of life.

“To murder a soldier in support of a perverted political cause in this way strikes at the very heart of so much that is good about our great nation.

“It must and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Our service people reflect all that is best about our country - they serve to protect us and deserve our thanks and tribute.

“We think about all of those in our armed forces who must feel so much sorrow today. We will stand by them always.

“Our community is enriched by the different cultures that create it. Terrorist attacks such as this will never succeed. We will never yield in our determination to cherish and defend how we live together.”