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Saskia Jones: Family of London Bridge attack victim thank public for support as they pay tribute to 'brilliant' daughter

The second person killed in the London Bridge attack was named as Saskia Jones: Metropolitan Police
The second person killed in the London Bridge attack was named as Saskia Jones: Metropolitan Police

The family of London Bridge terror attack victim Saskia Jones have thanked the public for their support as they paid tribute to their "brilliant" daughter for "touching so many lives".

The 23-year-old, a University of Cambridge graduate, was murdered by Usman Khan while at a conference in central London celebrating the five-year anniversary of the Learning Together prison programme.

He also killed Jack Merritt, 25, and injured three others.

In a statement released through the Met Police, the family said they were "devastated" by her death.

They added: “We would like to thank all those who have expressed their condolences over the past week, since the events of Friday, 29 November.

Saskia Jones was described as 'brilliant' by her family (Metropolitan Police)
Saskia Jones was described as 'brilliant' by her family (Metropolitan Police)

“The family are devastated by the loss of Saskia, a brilliant, caring daughter, grand-daughter, niece, cousin, friend and colleague.

“We are very grateful for the huge number of messages of support we have received from family, friends and strangers alike. Their thoughts are very much appreciated.

"It has been made very clear that Saskia is held in the highest esteem by many people and that she had touched so many lives in a short time.

“We have also found the support of the Metropolitan Police invaluable at this difficult time."

The Cambridge graduate was murdered during Usman Khan's rampage (PA)
The Cambridge graduate was murdered during Usman Khan's rampage (PA)

They added that a memorial service would be held on Friday, 20 December 2019, at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

They asked for donations to Saskia’s favourite charity, Warwickshire Air Ambulance, via the following link: https://saskia-jones.muchloved.com/

The family have previously described Ms Jones as a "funny, kind, positive influence at the centre of many people's lives" .

In the statement released in the days after the attack, they said she had a "wonderful sense of mischievous fun" and was generous "to the point of always wanting to see the best in all people".

She also had a passion "for providing invaluable support to victims of criminal injustice", they added.

Ms Jones had completed a Masters degree in criminology in 2018.

Olivia Smith, a lecturer in criminology who marked Ms Jones' dissertation when she was at Anglia Ruskin, described her as "one of a kind" who "would have been a force for good".

Dr Smith said: "I'm so sorry that the world won't get to see what she could have achieved.

"Saskia's dissertation was so good that I cried with pride when I marked it."

A friend, Sebastian Lefeuvre, described the young woman's death as senseless.

"She was just the most perfect soul and she's gone," he said.

David Merritt, Jack’s father, has previously paid tribute to his son , writing in the Guardian: “Jack was proud. Jack was absorbingly intelligent. Jack was fiercely loyal. Jack loved music, art, eating good food with his family, and having more than one pint with his mates.

“Jack believed in the inherent goodness of humanity, and felt a deep social responsibility to protect that.”

On Monday, Mr Merritt’s father accused the Prime Minister of using his son’s death to score political points .

He told Sky News: “Where most of us were watching this and seeing a tragedy unfolding in front of our eyes. Instead of seeing a tragedy Boris Johnson saw an opportunity and he went on the offensive.”

Khan was shot dead by police minutes after he fatally wounded Ms Jones and Mr Merritt.