Practical ways to help in times of an attack

This afternoon London was involved in what’s being referred to and treated as a terrorist attack. The incident happened on Westminster Bridge before 3pm and so far it is believed that only one attacker was involved. It’s been reported that there have been four fatalities – a policeman who was stabbed by the attacker, two members of the public and the alleged attacker who was shot and killed by police. It’s also reported that 20 people have been injured.

In times like this we must stand strong and stand united. Don’t just stand by – do something practical.

Here are some things you can do:

1. Show your appreciation for our AMAZING emergency services by making a donation. Text SAVE to 70800 to donate £5 to London’s Air Ambulance, who were quickly on the scene.
2. It’s reported that members of the public gave first aid to those who were injured whilst waiting for the emergency services. Consider a donation to St John Ambulance who provides training in first aid. Text AID to 70030 to donate £5.
3. Go on a first aid course.
4. Tower RNLI was deployed to save a woman who had fallen into the Thames and who is among the injured. Support their work with a donation. Text RNLI to 70300 to donate £5.
5. To honour the policeman who lost his life, tweet your appreciation of our policemen and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. Better yet, tweet a local police department.
6. Retweet this and call out anyone sharing inappropriate images.

I know it's Twitter and there's no editor but please don't RT pictures of dead and wounded on Westminster Bridge. They have loved ones.

— fleetstreetfox (@fleetstreetfox) March 22, 2017

7. If you see something suspicious but you don’t want to waste police time because ‘it’s probably nothing‘, report it. If you think it might be suspicious, it probably is.

If anyone sees anything suspicious or that causes them concern please call 0800 789 321 ASAP – always call 999 in an emergency #London

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 22, 2017

8. Donate blood. Find out where you can donate blood on the NHS Blood and Transplant website.

9. Show your appreciation for the amazing work of our NHS staff. Sign the Save our NHS petition.

10. If you were in the area at the time of the incident and have any footage – photos or video, send it to to the police via this website.

11. Don’t spread fear. Do not share anything that is mere speculation. Arm yourself with knowledge and FACT. Share news only from verified and trusted sources such as the BBC.

In times like this it’s difficult to comprehend such an attack but we mustn’t just stand by. We can do something and we must.