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London Bridge attack: Father hailed a 'hero' for fighting off terrorists in Borough Market

Calls have been made for Roy Larner to be nominated for the George Cross award for bravery

Monday 05 June 2017 15:15 BST

Roy Larner was taken to an intensive care ward at St Thomas’ Hospital, and his condition has since been described as 'stable' (Twitter)

A father-of-one has been hailed a “hero” for his efforts attempting to fight off terrorists during the London attack in Borough Market.

Roy Larner was stabbed multiple times while he reportedly threw stools and glasses at the three attackers on Saturday night.

His friends said he suffered knife wounds all over his body, including his head, neck, back and fingers, trying to protect others around him.

Mr Larner was taken to an intensive care ward at St Thomas’ Hospital, and his condition has since been described as “stable”.

A fundraising campaign set up to support the south London resident in his recovery has raised more than £6,000 in just a matter of hours.

Calls have also been made for Mr Larner to be awarded the George Cross in recognition of his bravery.

Archie Webber-Brown, who set up the change.org petition, said: “Roy Larner charged at the terrorists on London Bridge in order to try and stop them and help others escape.

“He ended up getting himself stabbed multiple times showing great courage and preparing his body for the ultimate self-sacrifice to help others.

“He should be acknowledged and rewarded for his actions.”

The petition has so far reached more than 1,000 signatures, as well as dozens of well-wishing messages from supporters.

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Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge

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Emergency services near the scene of the incident

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People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge

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Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area

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Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London

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Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain

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A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge

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Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain

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Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain

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Kevin Collins, from Sydney, Australia, wrote: “An absolute hero. If he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect others then he needs to be recognised for this.

“Get well Roy, praying you make a full and speedy recovery.”

Kelly-Marie Higgins said: “Not many pedestrians stopped and tried to fight back, this man took it upon himself to rescue someone who was in a deathly situation.

“He didn’t consider the consequences and harm that may face his own life but did what he could to save someone’s life now only to be fighting for his own.”

Campaigners said they aim to deliver the petition to Mr Larner’s former local MP - Liberal Democrat candidate for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Simon Hughes - in the hope he will nominate him for the prestigious award.

Three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night, before heading into Borough Market, where they attacked people with 12-inch knives.

At least seven people were killed and dozens more were injured in the terror attack.

The men, who wore fake suicide vests, were shot and killed by armed police within minutes.

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