Saskia Jones: 'Devastated' family of London Bridge attack victim to hold memorial
They say the huge number of messages they've received show the 23-year-old "touched so many lives in a short time".
Thursday 12 December 2019 09:41, UK
The family of London Bridge terror attack victim Saskia Jones have said they are devastated by the death of their "brilliant, caring daughter".
In a statement, they said they were "very grateful" for the huge number of messages from "family, friends and strangers".
They will hold a memorial for her on 20 December in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Miss Jones, 23, was murdered by knife-wielding terrorist Usman Khan on 29 November. Jack Merritt, 25, also died in the attack.
"The family are devastated by the loss of Saskia, a brilliant, caring daughter, grand-daughter, niece, cousin, friend and colleague," said the statement.
"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."
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Next week's memorial will be held at noon at Stratford-upon-Avon's Holy Trinity Church.
The family are asking for donations to Miss Jones' favourite charity, , rather than flowers.
Like Jack Merritt, Miss Jones was a University of Cambridge graduate who was involved in the prisoner rehabilitation conference where Khan launched his deadly rampage.
Her family said she had applied for a police graduate recruitment programme and planned to specialise in victim support.
In a previous statement, 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."
Jack Merritt's father told Sky News this week of the pain of losing his son, saying that telling Jack's brother was the "hardest part".
He also renewed his criticism of the prime minister, accusing him of "exploiting the tragedy to "score some points in the election".