A Tongan woman in London had received a text message from her husband warning her to stay inside a cathedral because a terror attack had hit nearby.
Falasima Tuʻifua Kautoke was attending a Mass at the Westminister Cathedral in which she said it took only eight minutes to walk from there to the scene of horror.
Five people have died and at least 40 were injured after the attacker drove a car along a pavement in Westminster, stabbed a policeman and was shot dead by police in the grounds of Parliament.
The dead officer has been named as PC Keith Palmer, 48, a husband and father.
Dressed in black, the UK Prime Minister condemned “the sick and depraved terrorist attack
on the streets of our capital this afternoon.”
She added: “We will all move forward together, never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart.”
Police believe that the attack was “inspired by international terrorism” and that they know the attacker’s identity, but did not give further details. Authorities are also looking at the suspect’s possible associates.
Falasima and her family were in London while her husband was working as Director of the Trade Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
She took to Facebook and wrote: “Terrorist attack in Westminister resulted in loss of lives and injured many pedestrians right at the heart of London.
“I was at Westminister Cathedral for Mass and Adoration (about 8mins walk from the site for (sic) the attack), totally unaware of the attack.
“It was after the Adoration at 4.45pm and was about to leave the Cathedral when my husband messaged me to remain in Church and informed me about the attack.
“Watching the evening news at home my heart went out to the innocent victims and their families and friends. May they rest in the love and peace of God”.
Her family members and friends on Facebook commented on her post and told her to “stay safe”.
“…thank God you’re safe and sorry for those who have lost their lives rip”, another commenter wrote.
“…he protects you from this terrorist attack coz you were at the right place….ofa atu and keep safe”, another commenter wrote.
