London attack: Canadian victim worked in shelter for homeless

‘She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death’ - family

Christine Archibald, originally from Castlegar, British Columbia, is seen in an undated photo released by her family. Photograph: Handout via Reuters

A Canadian woman killed in the London terror attack would have had “no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death”, her family said as they paid tribute to her.

Christine Archibald has been named as the Canadian national who died during Saturday's atrocity in London Bridge and Borough Market, one of seven killed and 21 critically injured.

Her family said in a statement: “We grieve the loss of our beautiful, loving daughter and sister. She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected.

“She lived this belief, working in a shelter for the homeless until she moved to Europe to be with her fiancé.

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“She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.

‘Volunteer your time’

“Please honour her by making your community a better place. Volunteer your time and labour or donate to a homeless shelter. Tell them Chrissy sent you.”

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said he was "heartbroken" to learn of Ms Archibald's death.

Applauding the UK for its strength and resilience in the face of adversity, he said: “These hateful acts do not deter us; they only strengthen our resolve.

“Canadians stand united with the British people. We will continue to work together with the United Kingdom and all our allies to fight terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.”

On Sunday, British prime minister Theresa May visited some of the 48 people taken to hospitals across the capital after the attack.

A rest centre was also set up at London South Bank University where volunteers from the British Red Cross helped those affected, Southwark Council said.

Among the injured are a British Transport Police (BTP) officer and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer who are in hospital with serious injuries, but neither are believed to be in a life-threatening condition, Scotland Yard said.

The BTP officer, who was on duty, was one of the first at the scene after he responded to calls for help from the public, the force said.

Serious injuries

He suffered serious injuries when he was stabbed in the face, head and leg, wounds which BTP said are not thought to be life-threatening.

New Zealander Oliver Dowling is reported to have been left in a coma after being stabbed in the face, neck and stomach.

Mr Dowling (32), from Christchurch, is said to have had four hours of surgery for his injuries and is in an induced coma.

According to the Mirror, his sister Freddy Dowling said on Facebook: “Doctors are very happy with how he’s come out the other side. A massive thank to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out.”

It was reported that his girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, was also injured.

Sunday Express business editor Geoff Ho was left in intensive care after being stabbed in the throat when he tried to help a wounded bouncer.

Mr Ho was filmed being led away from the scene by a policeman, clutching his neck and with his shirt off.

Martial artist

Friend Isabelle Oderberg tweeted: "We have found Geoff. He is in intensive care." She told Melbourne newspaper The Age: "He is actually a martial artist and I wouldn't be surprised if he would have stood up and been counted because he's just that type of person."

Candice Hedge is reported to be one of two Australians injured. The Courier Mail newspaper reported that she was stabbed in the neck while eating dinner with her boyfriend after finishing a shift at Elliot's restaurant in London Bridge.

The paper reported that the 31-year-old had her throat slashed after a man grabbed her from behind.

She reportedly wrote on Facebook: “Hey everyone, just so you know I’m doing OK. Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all.”

PA