OXFORD East MP Andrew Smith was among thousands of people who crowded together in tribute to terror attack victims in London today.
Police officers, faith leaders and members of the public linked hands on Westminster Bridge in a show of defiance.
The vigil came exactly one week after the killer rampage carried out by Khalid Masood, in which three pedestrians and a police officer died.
Westminster Bridge - We remember them. pic.twitter.com/vwQGUH9oKC
— Andrew Smith (@AndrewSmithMP) March 29, 2017
Mr Smith said: “There was a strong sense of solidarity [at the vigil]. It was very calm - people were rightly thoughtful and resolute. The mood was very human and caring.
“People were standing together, both literally and emotionally.”
He tweeted a photo from his London office showing a sea of people at the vigil, which lasted throughout the afternoon.
Standing together pic.twitter.com/aVoyRw7jII
— Andrew Smith (@AndrewSmithMP) March 29, 2017
The bridge, still adorned with floral tributes to the victims, was closed to traffic while the Hands Across Westminster Bridge vigil took place.
Hundreds of members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association were also present.
Zafir Malik, an imam from the association, said they were asked by the police to come along to show solidarity, and that they wanted to show that the terror attack had ‘nothing to do’ with religion.
He said: “[It has] nothing to do with Islam, nothing to do with what we believe in and preach on a daily basis.
“We’re here to show that we are united with our fellow countrymen and remembering those who have fallen. We are here and showing our solidarity for the country.”
Vigils were also held across the country to coincide with the Westminster event.
A similar event was held in Oxford city centre on Friday to show solidarity to the victims, attended by Islamic scholar Dr Sheikh Ramzy, MPs Andrew Smith and Nicola Blackwood and members of Oxford Stand Up to Racism.
During the attack last Wednesday, 52-year-old Masood mowed down pedestrians outside Parliament, injuring 50 and killing three.
He then ran into the Palace of Westminster and fatally stabbed PC Keith Palmer.
Masood was shot dead by an officer and died at the scene, with his actions later branded 'an attack on the heart of democracy'.
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