One of the two victims killed by a terrorist on London Bridge on Friday has been named.
Jack Merritt, 25, from Cottenham, near Cambridge was the course coordinator for Cambridge University’s Learning Together initiative, and was in attendance at an event run through the programme at Fishmonger’s Hall where the attack began.
His father David Merritt confirmed the news on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, the Cambridge Independent reported, writing: “My son, Jack, who was killed in this attack, would not wish his death to be used as the pretext for more draconian sentences or for detaining people unnecessarily.
“R.I.P. Jack: you were a beautiful spirit who always took the side of the underdog.”
On Twitter, director of the Suffolk Law centre Audrey Ludwig – who said she knew Merritt through work – called his commitment to prisoner education and rehabilitation “deeply impressive”.
“I send condolences to his family, colleagues and the prisoners group,” she said.
Police have yet to confirm that Merritt as one of the victims, saying they had to wait for official confirmation from the coroner first.
A woman – who has not yet been named – was also killed in Friday’s attack, and three other victims have been left in serious condition in hospital.
The suspect, Usman Khan, 28, from Staffordshire, was shot dead by police after stabbing a number of people during the attack on Friday afternoon.
A convicted terrorist, Khan was taking part in the conference alongside other attendees who were part of a rehabilitation conference run by Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology.
I knew Jack although only over last 12 months as we discussed possible collaboration. I visited one of his prison projects and his deep commitment to prisoner education and rehabilitation was deeply impressive. I send condolences to his family, colleagues and the prisoners group
Meanwhile, in a statement on Friday before Merritt was named as a victim, Cambridge University’s vice-chancellor professor Stephen J Troope said he was “devastated” that the attack may have been targeted at the university’s staff, student and alumni.
“We mourn the dead and hope for a speedy recovery for the injured,” he said. “Our thoughts are with all their families and friends.”