London Bridge attack: 163 people seek help from Victim Support

Bernadette Keane, Victim Support's London director, said: 'We saw a significant number of people contacting us after the attacks seeking emotional support and trauma treatment because of the terrible scenes they witnessed.

"Borough Market is a huge draw for people at the weekend. If you know the layout of the market you will appreciate just how many people would have been able to see the attacks unfold.

"There are scores of places to eat and drink with full length windows looking out on to the market and, as staff and diners bravely wedged doors shut to protect themselves and others from the terrorists, those inside were able to see clearly what was going on as the attackers went about killing and severely injuring innocent people outside."

In total, 163 people were in contact with Victim Support for help following the London Bridge attack. The families of those that are killed are asked by the police if they wish to be referred to Victim Support to provide them specialist and practical support as are those seriously injured.

Free specialist and practical support is available by calling Victim Support's supportline on 0808 16 89 111.

Claire Waxman, Victims' Commissioner for London, said: "It's important that anyone who witnessed this horrific attack knows that Victim Support is available to them.

"Victims and witnesses can access practical and emotional help, and be signposted to specialist services to help them recover from this traumatic experience. No-one should suffer in silence, so it's vital that people know the support is out there to help them cope."

Victim Support is funded by the Mayor's Office of Policing and Crime to support victims and provides specialist emotional help, such as counselling and trauma first aid, as well as practical help, such as helping people deal with funerals, financial arrangements and travel.