I know it’s going back several pages but @ploopsie I was there on 7/7 too, caught amongst one of the scenes and you’re right, phone lines down, no buses or trains or tubes. By the time I managed to get out, there were also no cabs or hotel rooms either. A very kind Muslim man and his friend drove me home to the suburbs and refused any money I threw at them (if you’re out there Akbar and friend, you’re still my heroes nearly 15 years on). You’re also right that I didn’t once feel any inconvenience. Immense fear but no inconvenience. I also understand though that fear can also be expressed as ‘that’s a bit annoying’.
As a Londoner, I’m not surprised at what the those members of the public did. We may be an aloof species but we love our city and our people and it feels like a personal affront when somebody threatens us like this. Jesus though, brave is the understatement of the year when it comes to those men.
I feel for the police officer. The way that planned out was not ideal for him. He must be reeling. I hope he can somehow move on.
And one big thing that most people forget, is those walking away from the scene, untouched. Those people videoing for example. It’s a mindfuck and they’ll be thinking about this for the rest of their lives and reliving it every time something like this happens in the future.