London - World leaders have condemned Saturday's London terror attack which left seven people dead and more than 48 injured. President Emmanuel Macron said France, which had four citizens injured in the attack, was more than ever at Britain's side. Mr Macron was one of the first world leaders to react to the events. Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull said his "prayers and resolute solidarity" were with the British people. One Australian was in hospital and another was affected by the attack, Mr Turnbull said. The person in hospital is believed to be 31-year-old Candice Hedge. ABC quoted a friend as saying she was stabbed in the neck but was not in danger. At least one New Zealander was injured. Oliver Dowling was recovering from multiple stab wounds, his sister said on Facebook. US President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday evening: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" Mr Trump also called for his travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries to be upheld by US courts, where it is being challenged.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement (in German): "Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination. "For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain's side." Spain's foreign ministry said it shared "the pain of the relatives of the victims deceased in these cowardly attacks". European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was following the latest incidents "with horror". He said: "Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe." Russian President Vladimir Putin "sends his deepest condolences to Britons and condemns the terrorist act that happened several hours ago in London", his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, quoted by Russian media. Later in a telegram to UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Putin said joint efforts to fight terrorism "should be a mutual response", according to a Kremlin statement. Commonwealth leaders also rallied round the UK. "Awful news from London tonight. We're monitoring the situation," said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter. "New Zealand's thoughts are with the victims of today's attack," said Prime Minister Bill English. "Too many lives are being taken by terrorists set on inflicting pain and suffering on innocent people."(FA)
