Queen praises bravery of those who risked lives to stop London Bridge terrorist

She sent her 'deepest sympathies' to the families who lost their loved ones.

The Queen has sent her ‘deepest sympathies’ to the families of the London Bridge terror attack’s victims and applauded by-standers who helped pin down the knifeman.

She also praised quick-thinking police officers who shot dead recently released prisoner Usman Khan, who killed two people and injured three others.

Among the brave members of the public were a Polish chef armed with a narwhal tusk, and a man who blasted the killer in the face with a fire extinguisher.

An off-duty police officer and two tour guides also ran towards the danger in a bid to stop the terrorist in his tracks.

Meanwhile a convicted murderer out on day release rushed to help a woman who was injured by Khan.

In a statement Queen Elizabeth said: ‘Prince Philip and I have been saddened to hear of the terror attacks at London Bridge.

‘We send our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones and who have been affected by yesterday’s terrible violence.

‘I express my enduring thanks to the police and emergency services, as well as the brave individuals who put their own lives at risk to selflessly help and protect others.’

The first victim to be named was identified today as Cambridge University worker and graduate Jack Merrit, 25.

Buckingham Palace issued its statement as Boris Johnson visited the scene of the attack today along with Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Last night the Prime Minister chaired an emergency inter-governmental Cobra committee meeting to discuss the best course of action for the country.

Johnson condemned the early release of criminals as it emerged that Khan, 28, was a convicted terrorist who was jailed in 2012 over his role in an al Qaeda-inspired terror group that plotted to bomb the London Stock Exchange.

He was given a 16 year sentence but was let out of prison early in December 2018 and was wearing an electronic tag during yesterday’s attack.

It is also understood that Khan was friends with and part of the same network as notorious hate preacher Anjem Choudary.

Khan had been a guest at a seminar in Fishmongers’ Hall, run by Cambridge University’s Criminology Department, to help offenders reintegrate into society following their release from jail.

Mr Merritt, from Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, was working for the Learning Together programme.

Posting on Twitter his dad David Merritt said: ‘My son, Jack, who was killed in this attack, would not wish his death to be used as the pretext for more draconian sentences or for detaining people unnecessarily.

‘R.I.P. Jack: you were a beautiful spirit who always took the side of the underdog.’

The woman also killed by Khan is still yet to be identified.