Russell Square stabbings: Local churches offer prayer
Churches have called for prayer after a woman in her sixties was killed and five others wounded in a knife attack.
A 19-year-old Norwegian national of Somali origin has been arrested on suspicion of murder after armed police responded to the stabbings. Police said it was a "spontaneous attack" and there was "no evidence of radicalization" or that the man was "in any way motivated by terrorism".
Churches around Russell Square will offer prayer and have said they will remain open for anyone who wishes support.
The rector at nearby St George's Holborn was "called back urgently" from a trip and a spokesman said the church was "open and we're manned and ready to respond to anything".
He told Christian Today: "We've spoken to other vicars locally and are hoping to unite and remain open for prayer throughout this time."
Praying for our wonderful community today #russellsquare #weloveholborn
— St George's Holborn (@stgholborn) August 4, 2016
If you're passing, pop into our church and cafe @georgeswc1 for a cuppa and a pray.
— St George's Holborn (@stgholborn) August 4, 2016
More details of how local churches plan to respond is expected later today.
Christian Today spoke to St Pancras Parish Church, also close to the scene of the attack. A spokeswoman said it has put a book of condolences at the back of the church for any parishioners affected.
Another local church, Bloomsbury Baptist, said: "Our prayers are with all those affected by last night's incident in Russell Square.
"Our church remains open and welcoming to all, as we seek to live out the peace of Christ in the heart of London."
We pray for all who are afraid to be on the streets today, for all who are angry and for those trying to keep peace #kyrieeleison
— Bloomsburycentral (@Bloomcentral) August 4, 2016
#LondonersTogether. We'll be laying flowers and paying our respects in #RussellSquare at 6pm tonight #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/I957EJAG9k
— Shoreditch Church (@ShoreditchChurc) August 4, 2016
The local MP, Labour's Keir Starmer, said his thoughts were with the victims.
All thoughts with Russell Sq victims and families today @CamdenLabour
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 4, 2016