Britain fell silent today as the victims of the July 7 attacks were remembered, a decade after 52 people were murdered and hundreds more injured in four suicide bomb explosions on the London transport network.
Families of the victims joined survivors of the horrific attack, members of the emergency services and politicians at two special services to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the atrocities in 2005, while a national minute's silence was held at 11.30am.
And across London, commuters and grieving families left poignant floral tributes close to where each of the four bombs exploded, at Aldgate, Edgware Road and King's Cross underground stations, and at Tavistock Square, where the fourth bomb was detonated on board a bus.
The anniversary comes amid a number of warnings about the enduring and changing threat from terrorism worldwide, and just a fortnight after the Tunisian beach massacre in which 30 British holidaymakers were shot dead.
Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson led the commemorations this morning when they laid wreaths at the permanent memorial to the victims at Hyde Park at an event timed to coincide with the first blasts at 8.50am.
Both men stood, silently, as they carefully placed the flowers at the site, Mr Johnson carrying a yellow and white version, while Mr Cameron's was pink.
Speaking at the memorial this morning, Mr Cameron said: ‘Ten years on, this is one of those days where everyone remembers exactly where they were when they heard the news.
'It’s a day when we recall the incredible resolve and resolution of Londoners and the United Kingdom, a day when we remember the threat we still face but above all it’s a day when we think of the grace and the dignity of the victims’ families for all they have been through and we honour the memory of those victims and all those that were lost 10 years ago today.'
Thursday July 7 2005 had dawned with London still elated from learning the previous day that it had won the 2012 Olympics, but within hours, the country was consumed by horror and grief.
Suicide bombers Mohammed Sidique Khan, 30, Shehzad Tanweer, 22, Hasib Hussain, 18, and Jermaine Lindsay, 19, met at Luton station that morning, taking a train to King's Cross in London, where they hugged and separated to carry out their deadly missions.
Within three minutes of 8.50am, Tanweer detonated his bomb at Aldgate, Khan set his device off at Edgware Road and Lindsay blew himself up between King's Cross and Russell Square.
Hussain detonated his device on a number 30 bus at Tavistock Square at 9.47am.
Twenty-six died in the bombing at Russell Square on the Piccadilly line, six in the bombing at Edgware Road on the Circle line, seven in the bombing at Aldgate on the Circle line, and 13 in the bombing on the bus at Tavistock Square.
A fortnight later, another four would-be suicide bombers launched failed attacks on the Tube and a bus, leading to police marksmen killing innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.
Britain remembers victims of 7/7 bombings: 10 years on, Cameron and Johnson join relatives at Hyde Park memorial to the 52 people who died in London terror attacks
Prime Minister and Mayor laid floral wreaths at 8.50am, which was timed to coincide with the first of the four suicide blasts in 2005
52 people died and hundreds were injured in the four explosions on London's transport network
Victims remembered with service at St Paul's Cathedral and a minute's silence this morning, while a second service will take place at Hyde Park later today
Poignant anniversary comes amid warnings about threat of terrorism worldwide and a fortnight after Tunisia attack
By Lucy Crossley for MailOnline
7 July 2015
Daily Mail
Britain fell silent today as the victims of the July 7 attacks were remembered, a decade after 52 people were murdered and hundreds more injured in four suicide bomb explosions on the London transport network.
Families of the victims joined survivors of the horrific attack, members of the emergency services and politicians at two special services to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the atrocities in 2005, while a national minute's silence was held at 11.30am.
And across London, commuters and grieving families left poignant floral tributes close to where each of the four bombs exploded, at Aldgate, Edgware Road and King's Cross underground stations, and at Tavistock Square, where the fourth bomb was detonated on board a bus.
George Psaradakis (centre), the driver of the number 30 bus which was blown up in Tavistock Square, looks at floral tributes left close to the scene of the attack as Britain remembered the 7/7 atrocity today
Mr Psaradakis looking in horror at the carnage left by the bomb which killed 13 people on his bus
A family grieve together as they stand next to a memorial to the victims at Tavistock Square. The bombings were marked with a series of events across the country today, including poignant services in London and a minute's silence
Members of the public join a tearful Mr Psaradakis at Tavistock Square this morning, adding bouquets to a sea of flowers left at the site
A sea of flowers had been left alongside a plaque in Tavistock Square, which carries the name of the victims of the blast
People hug outside Edgware Road tube station as they remember the victims. The second of the four bombs was detonated in the second car of a Circle line train, which had just left platform four at Edgware Road and was travelling westbound toward Paddington
Commuters oberve a minute's silence at Edgware Road, where six of the 52 7/7 victims were killed
A British Transport Police wreath is carried into Edgware Road tube station by a group of officers as they pay tribute to the victim
The anniversary comes amid a number of warnings about the enduring and changing threat from terrorism worldwide, and just a fortnight after the Tunisian beach massacre in which 30 British holidaymakers were shot dead.
Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson led the commemorations this morning when they laid wreaths at the permanent memorial to the victims at Hyde Park at an event timed to coincide with the first blasts at 8.50am.
Both men stood, silently, as they carefully placed the flowers at the site, Mr Johnson carrying a yellow and white version, while Mr Cameron's was pink.
Speaking at the memorial this morning, Mr Cameron said: ‘Ten years on, this is one of those days where everyone remembers exactly where they were when they heard the news.
'It’s a day when we recall the incredible resolve and resolution of Londoners and the United Kingdom, a day when we remember the threat we still face but above all it’s a day when we think of the grace and the dignity of the victims’ families for all they have been through and we honour the memory of those victims and all those that were lost 10 years ago today.'
In a note attached to his wreath, Mr Cameron wrote: 'To the victims of terrorism in London ten years ago today. We grieve your loss and will honour your memory for ever.'
The wording on the wreath laid by the London Mayor in Hyde Park read: 'Ten years may have passed, but London's memory is undimmed. We honour again today the victims of 7/7. You will live forever in the hearts of the people of this city. Boris Johnson.'
Mr Cameron and Mr Johnson were joined by Commons speaker, John Bercow, and acting Labour leader Harriet Harman, who also placed floral tributes at the memorial this morning, as well as representatives from the emergency services.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe also laid a wreath during the short, sombre ceremony in Hyde Park, as did Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy, Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson, and chief executive of London Ambulance Dr Fiona Moore.
Survivors and relatives of victims were also attending other services at stations in the capital this morning, with many commuters bringing flowers to leave at Edgware Road, Aldgate and King's Cross where ticket halls fell quiet at 8.50am for a minute's silence.
At Edgware Road, wreaths and bouquets were laid in front of a plaque which commemorates the attack.
The station was calm, as commuters and passers by came to a halt by the ticket barriers for a moment of reflection.
After, some of those gathered chatted, whilst others observed the vast display of flowers.
A man stood, with his head in his hands, silently crying, as he remembered the victims. A woman walked from the crowd wiping away tears, before families of the victims departed in coaches to attend the memorial at St Paul's Cathedral.
And at Tavistock Square, where the fourth bomb was detonated on board the number bus, driver George Psaradakis, 59, joined mourners, bringing a bunch flowers to leave at the site, wiping away a tear as he made the emotional visit, joined by fellow survivors and those who helped the injured at the scene.
It was at 9.47am that morning that 18-year-old Hasib Hussain, the youngest of the four bombers, detonated a bomb on the top deck of the number 30 bus, killing 13 people and injuring more than 110. By chance, the explosion occurred just a stone's throw from the headquarters of the British Medical Association (BMA), where a conference was being held, and scores of doctors and staff ran to help.
As people paused by the bouquets, off to one side a man sat cross-legged on the ground, eyes shut tight and hands pressed together as he prayed quietly by a small bunch of flowers tied to the railings.
Across the road more survivors and family members gathered for a memorial service. Rabbi Shlomo Levin from South Hampstead synagogue gave a prayer of remembrance and Dr Paul Holden, who commanded the casualty clearing site at the scene, lit a candle.
Then, at 9.47am exactly, the crowd fell silent, a minute of quiet contemplation rooted in memory, regret, anger, sadness and love.
At King's Cross station, London Underground managing director Mike Brown said of the attacks: 'No one should underestimate the impact of something as horrendous as this.'
And across London, commuters were being encouraged to leave trains during their trips to work a stop early, and walking the rest of the way - taking pictures of their journeys and posting them on social media, using the hashtag #walktogether.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Today is an important moment for us all to remember the appalling attacks on London ten years ago. It is a day for us to remember those who lost their lives, those who were injured in the bombings and those who felt scared in the city they live in.
'But it is also a time to recognise the strength, solidarity and resilience of London and the people who live here - including those working for the emergency services who were at the scene. On the day of the attacks, we saw acts of immense bravery, with people risking their own lives to save others. And as commuters made their way home without public transport, they shared food, water and helped each other along the way.
'And today Londoners will once again show their solidarity and remember those who died in these attacks as they #WalkTogether to work. We face new and changing threats, but London will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorists who seek to divide us with extremism and violence.'
Later, Mr Cameron and Mr Johnson attended a service at St Paul's Cathedral, as did the Duke of York, Home Secretary Theresa May and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Tony Blair, who was Prime Minister at the time of the attacks with his wife Cherie, and Ken Livingstone who was Mayor of London.
Survivors, relatives of the dead and members of the emergency services were all invited to the poignant event, in which prayers were led by priests who helped minister people in the hours and days after the blasts.
Candles representing the site of each incident were carried by people who helped deal with the immediate aftermath, including Mr Psaradakis, and Dr Peter Holden, who provided urgent treatment at the scene.
The names each of the 52 victims were read out and at the end of a minute's silence the four candles were lit and petals were released from the dome.
Dr David Ison, dean of St Paul's Cathedral, began the service by telling the congregation: 'We come together to share our grief and to comfort one another; to find strength and to foster resilience; and to affirm that even in our darkest hour the light of faith and the flame of hope burn strong.'
Mr Johnson then gave a reading from the New Testament, which said: 'Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
'And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.'
In his address, Richard Chartres told those assembled: 'Soon after 7/7 the families and friends of the victims compiled a book of tributes.
'It is a taste of the ocean of pain surrounding the loss of each one of the victims.
'The tribute book is also very revealing about the character of the London which the bombers attacked.
'The majority of the victims were young. They came from all over the UK and all over the world.'
He added: 'There could have been so easily demonstrations of anger but beyond the numbing shock there was solidarity.
'London had been attacked and our unity was in our grieving.'
The Bishop made a pledge on behalf of world faith leaders at St Paul's.
He said: 'We stand united in our determination to resist and overcome the evil of terrorism.
'We belong to different faith traditions but we share a common grief at the suffering which has been inflicted on so many of our fellow men and women, here and abroad.'
He added: 'We recommit ourselves to fostering the mutual trust between communities so that they may flourish side by side on the basis of respect and understanding.'
The St Paul's service heard four reflections of the blast sites.
David Boyce, who was one of the first London Underground staff to realise a bomb had exploded near Russell Square, described how the area is home to the British Museum, the University of London, and is also a place where T S Eliot worked.
He said: 'Here, men and women seek understanding and their search for truth challenges the ignorance which casts so much darkness over our world.'
The silence was also observed across the capital's public transport network.
Announcements were halted and bus drivers asked to bring vehicles to a stop if they can do so safely.
Tube services ran as normal but passengers were asked to observe the silence and announcements will be halted for the duration, Transport for London said.
A whistle marked the beginning of the minute's silence in Hyde Park, where at least 20 people stood beside the memorial - many bowing their heads, while more members of the public stood further back behind barriers.
And at Wimbledon, play was delayed so that players, fans and officials could observe the tenth anniversary commemoration at 11.30am.
Spectators on Murray Mound bowed their heads, with even those waiting in the queue to get into the grounds taking part.
Schoolboy James Lloyd, 13, from Stafford, was at SW19 with his aunt Susan Leicester, 56, to watch the action on Centre Court.
He said: 'It was poignant, showing respect to those that died and were injured.
'To think that people have died - you think how lucky you are to be alive now.
'I also thought of the stupid people who decided to do that, it's just wrong and shouldn't happen.'
Lesley Saunders, 72, from Guernsey, was on Murray Mound for the commemoration.
She said: 'It was amazing, everybody observed it except for the cameras clicking.
'It brought back visions of that day, I was thinking of the poor people who were left behind.
'I think it's very important that we should remember it because it affected to many people, emotionally as well as through injury and death.'
A second service, to be attended by the Duke of Cambridge, will take place at Hyde Park later, featuring music, a series of readings and the laying of flowers.
Jacqui Putnam, who survived the Edgware Road explosion, said: 'It doesn't seem like ten years ago. There is only one group of people who I want to be with and that is my survivor family.'
Ms Putnam, from Cambridgeshire, said her overriding feeling will be sadness as she remembers the 52 people who were killed.
'I think of them as my silent friends,' she said. 'Those 52 people are with me every day because I could so easily have been with them. The fact that I'm not is random luck.'
July 7 2005 had dawned with London still elated from learning the previous day that it had won the 2012 Olympics, but within hours, the country was consumed by horror and grief.
Suicide bombers Mohammed Sidique Khan, 30, Shehzad Tanweer, 22, Hasib Hussain, 18, and Jermaine Lindsay, 19, met at Luton station that morning, taking a train to King's Cross in London, where they hugged and separated to carry out their deadly missions.
Within three minutes of 8.50am, Tanweer detonated his bomb at Aldgate, Khan set his device off at Edgware Road and Lindsay blew himself up between King's Cross and Russell Square.
Hussain detonated his device on a number 30 bus at Tavistock Square at 9.47am.
Twenty-six died in the bombing at Russell Square on the Piccadilly line, six in the bombing at Edgware Road on the Circle line, seven in the bombing at Aldgate on the Circle line, and 13 in the bombing on the bus at Tavistock Square.
A fortnight later, another four would-be suicide bombers launched failed attacks on the Tube and a bus, leading to police marksmen killing innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.
Mr Johnson says the 7/7 killers 'failed in their aim'.
Speaking in Hyde Park, before the wreath laying, he said the terrorists 'didn't in any way change the fundamentals of London and what makes this city great', adding: 'Indeed, it's gone from strength to strength in the ten years since.
'I think most people would say that London has become even more cosmopolitan, even more welcoming.'
But Mr Johnson said today people have to remember that 'the problem has not gone away', adding: 'We're as ready as we think we can be, and as you can imagine there are preparations going on all the time in the event of all kinds of attacks.'
Mr Johnson said today's remembrance was intended to show the bereaved, survivors and the emergency services that they have the support of all those across the city.
A group of about 25 American students, who are in London studying national security as part of their political science course at Indiana University, were among the members of the public who visited the Hyde Park memorial today.
Zach Post said it is 'devastating' to think of what happened this day ten years ago, and described it as 'unfathomable'.
Sebastian Cacho said he found seeing the memorial and wreaths to be 'emotional for sure', while Jack Buskirk said he was 'glad' to see London honouring the tenth anniversary.
Jake Carroll said: 'It's nice to see everyone supporting it.'
Tony Blair, who was Prime Minister at the time of the attacks arrives for the service at St Paul's with his wife Cherie (top). Mayor Boris Johnson was also in attendance (bottom)
Lord Mayor of London Alan Yarrow and Prince Andrew, Duke of York (top) arrive for the service, along with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe (bottom)
The Lord Mayor's party make their way into St Paul's for this morning's poignant service, which included a minute of silence
The minute's silence was obsrved across the transport network, including at Kings Cross Station (pictured)
Commuters at Kings Cross take a moment to look at the flowers left in memory of the victims. The station was where the four bombers had separated, each heading in a different direction to detonate their deadly bombs
The minute's silence is observed at Hyde Park, where many gathered at the official memorial to the 52 victims
At Wimbledon, workers from the emergency services joined spectators and staff for the minute's silence
Police offcers on duty at Wimbledon fall silent as the 7/7 bombing victims were remembered
Wimbledon spectators on Court Number 3 stand to observe the minute's silence this morning
The anniversary comes amid a number of warnings about the enduring and changing threat from terrorism worldwide, and just a fortnight after the Tunisian beach massacre in which 30 British holidaymakers were shot dead
Mr Johnson and Mr Cameron carry wreathes to the site of their memorial, their heads bowed in deference to the 52 victims
Both men stood, silently, as they carefully placed the flowers at the site, Mr Johnson carrying a yellow and white version, while Mr Cameron's was pink
The two politicians pause and bow their heads as they step away from the memorial plaque, having left flowers in honour of the victims
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe also laid a wreath during the short, sombre ceremony in Hyde Park.
Twenty-six died in the bombing at Russell Square on the Piccadilly line, six in the bombing at Edgware Road on the Circle line, seven in the bombing at Aldgate on the Circle line, and 13 in the bombing on the bus at Tavistock Square
In a note attached to his wreath, Mr Cameron wrote: 'To the victims of terrorism in London ten years ago today. We grieve your loss and will honour your memory for ever'
Vote Ukip: Last week, just days before today's poignant commemorations, a group of homeless Eastern Europeans sparked outrage by camping at the Hyde Park memorial site and eating their dinner off the plaque
#walktogether: Thousands of defiant London commuters get off the Tube early and walk their final stop in memory of the 52 people who died in 7/7 terror attacks 10 years ago today
It is ten years to the day that the country suffered one of its most abhorrent attacks on freedom. And as Britain remembers the events of 7/7/2005, thousands have put on a defiant display in the face of the ever-encroaching threat of terror. In memory of those killed in the bombings a decade ago, commuters across London and the rest of the UK today stepped off the train, tube and bus one stop early to walk the remainder of their journey. Uniting in their tributes to the dead, they shared photographs of the poignant gesture on Twitter accompanied with #walktogether. Some held signs bearing the phrase while others photographed their feet and held hands, posting their photographs on social media. It came as David Cameron, Boris Johnson and other leading parliamentary figures laid wreaths at a memorial in Hyde Park in memory of the 52 people were killed in the attacks. Families of those who died when suicide bombers detonated a series of blasts across London were also at Kings Cross to meet commuters today.
Londoners #walktogether in memory of 7/7 victims 10 years on from terror attack | Daily Mail Online
Families of the victims joined survivors of the horrific attack, members of the emergency services and politicians at two special services to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the atrocities in 2005, while a national minute's silence was held at 11.30am.
And across London, commuters and grieving families left poignant floral tributes close to where each of the four bombs exploded, at Aldgate, Edgware Road and King's Cross underground stations, and at Tavistock Square, where the fourth bomb was detonated on board a bus.
The anniversary comes amid a number of warnings about the enduring and changing threat from terrorism worldwide, and just a fortnight after the Tunisian beach massacre in which 30 British holidaymakers were shot dead.
Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson led the commemorations this morning when they laid wreaths at the permanent memorial to the victims at Hyde Park at an event timed to coincide with the first blasts at 8.50am.
Both men stood, silently, as they carefully placed the flowers at the site, Mr Johnson carrying a yellow and white version, while Mr Cameron's was pink.
Speaking at the memorial this morning, Mr Cameron said: ‘Ten years on, this is one of those days where everyone remembers exactly where they were when they heard the news.
'It’s a day when we recall the incredible resolve and resolution of Londoners and the United Kingdom, a day when we remember the threat we still face but above all it’s a day when we think of the grace and the dignity of the victims’ families for all they have been through and we honour the memory of those victims and all those that were lost 10 years ago today.'
Thursday July 7 2005 had dawned with London still elated from learning the previous day that it had won the 2012 Olympics, but within hours, the country was consumed by horror and grief.
Suicide bombers Mohammed Sidique Khan, 30, Shehzad Tanweer, 22, Hasib Hussain, 18, and Jermaine Lindsay, 19, met at Luton station that morning, taking a train to King's Cross in London, where they hugged and separated to carry out their deadly missions.
Within three minutes of 8.50am, Tanweer detonated his bomb at Aldgate, Khan set his device off at Edgware Road and Lindsay blew himself up between King's Cross and Russell Square.
Hussain detonated his device on a number 30 bus at Tavistock Square at 9.47am.
Twenty-six died in the bombing at Russell Square on the Piccadilly line, six in the bombing at Edgware Road on the Circle line, seven in the bombing at Aldgate on the Circle line, and 13 in the bombing on the bus at Tavistock Square.
A fortnight later, another four would-be suicide bombers launched failed attacks on the Tube and a bus, leading to police marksmen killing innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.
Britain remembers victims of 7/7 bombings: 10 years on, Cameron and Johnson join relatives at Hyde Park memorial to the 52 people who died in London terror attacks
Prime Minister and Mayor laid floral wreaths at 8.50am, which was timed to coincide with the first of the four suicide blasts in 2005
52 people died and hundreds were injured in the four explosions on London's transport network
Victims remembered with service at St Paul's Cathedral and a minute's silence this morning, while a second service will take place at Hyde Park later today
Poignant anniversary comes amid warnings about threat of terrorism worldwide and a fortnight after Tunisia attack
By Lucy Crossley for MailOnline
7 July 2015
Daily Mail
Britain fell silent today as the victims of the July 7 attacks were remembered, a decade after 52 people were murdered and hundreds more injured in four suicide bomb explosions on the London transport network.
Families of the victims joined survivors of the horrific attack, members of the emergency services and politicians at two special services to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the atrocities in 2005, while a national minute's silence was held at 11.30am.
And across London, commuters and grieving families left poignant floral tributes close to where each of the four bombs exploded, at Aldgate, Edgware Road and King's Cross underground stations, and at Tavistock Square, where the fourth bomb was detonated on board a bus.
Mr Psaradakis looking in horror at the carnage left by the bomb which killed 13 people on his bus
A family grieve together as they stand next to a memorial to the victims at Tavistock Square. The bombings were marked with a series of events across the country today, including poignant services in London and a minute's silence
Members of the public join a tearful Mr Psaradakis at Tavistock Square this morning, adding bouquets to a sea of flowers left at the site
A British Transport Police wreath is carried into Edgware Road tube station by a group of officers as they pay tribute to the victim
Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson led the commemorations this morning when they laid wreaths at the permanent memorial to the victims at Hyde Park at an event timed to coincide with the first blasts at 8.50am.
Both men stood, silently, as they carefully placed the flowers at the site, Mr Johnson carrying a yellow and white version, while Mr Cameron's was pink.
Speaking at the memorial this morning, Mr Cameron said: ‘Ten years on, this is one of those days where everyone remembers exactly where they were when they heard the news.
'It’s a day when we recall the incredible resolve and resolution of Londoners and the United Kingdom, a day when we remember the threat we still face but above all it’s a day when we think of the grace and the dignity of the victims’ families for all they have been through and we honour the memory of those victims and all those that were lost 10 years ago today.'
In a note attached to his wreath, Mr Cameron wrote: 'To the victims of terrorism in London ten years ago today. We grieve your loss and will honour your memory for ever.'
The wording on the wreath laid by the London Mayor in Hyde Park read: 'Ten years may have passed, but London's memory is undimmed. We honour again today the victims of 7/7. You will live forever in the hearts of the people of this city. Boris Johnson.'
Mr Cameron and Mr Johnson were joined by Commons speaker, John Bercow, and acting Labour leader Harriet Harman, who also placed floral tributes at the memorial this morning, as well as representatives from the emergency services.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe also laid a wreath during the short, sombre ceremony in Hyde Park, as did Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy, Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson, and chief executive of London Ambulance Dr Fiona Moore.
Survivors and relatives of victims were also attending other services at stations in the capital this morning, with many commuters bringing flowers to leave at Edgware Road, Aldgate and King's Cross where ticket halls fell quiet at 8.50am for a minute's silence.
At Edgware Road, wreaths and bouquets were laid in front of a plaque which commemorates the attack.
The station was calm, as commuters and passers by came to a halt by the ticket barriers for a moment of reflection.
After, some of those gathered chatted, whilst others observed the vast display of flowers.
A man stood, with his head in his hands, silently crying, as he remembered the victims. A woman walked from the crowd wiping away tears, before families of the victims departed in coaches to attend the memorial at St Paul's Cathedral.
And at Tavistock Square, where the fourth bomb was detonated on board the number bus, driver George Psaradakis, 59, joined mourners, bringing a bunch flowers to leave at the site, wiping away a tear as he made the emotional visit, joined by fellow survivors and those who helped the injured at the scene.
It was at 9.47am that morning that 18-year-old Hasib Hussain, the youngest of the four bombers, detonated a bomb on the top deck of the number 30 bus, killing 13 people and injuring more than 110. By chance, the explosion occurred just a stone's throw from the headquarters of the British Medical Association (BMA), where a conference was being held, and scores of doctors and staff ran to help.
As people paused by the bouquets, off to one side a man sat cross-legged on the ground, eyes shut tight and hands pressed together as he prayed quietly by a small bunch of flowers tied to the railings.
Across the road more survivors and family members gathered for a memorial service. Rabbi Shlomo Levin from South Hampstead synagogue gave a prayer of remembrance and Dr Paul Holden, who commanded the casualty clearing site at the scene, lit a candle.
Then, at 9.47am exactly, the crowd fell silent, a minute of quiet contemplation rooted in memory, regret, anger, sadness and love.
At King's Cross station, London Underground managing director Mike Brown said of the attacks: 'No one should underestimate the impact of something as horrendous as this.'
And across London, commuters were being encouraged to leave trains during their trips to work a stop early, and walking the rest of the way - taking pictures of their journeys and posting them on social media, using the hashtag #walktogether.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Today is an important moment for us all to remember the appalling attacks on London ten years ago. It is a day for us to remember those who lost their lives, those who were injured in the bombings and those who felt scared in the city they live in.
'But it is also a time to recognise the strength, solidarity and resilience of London and the people who live here - including those working for the emergency services who were at the scene. On the day of the attacks, we saw acts of immense bravery, with people risking their own lives to save others. And as commuters made their way home without public transport, they shared food, water and helped each other along the way.
'And today Londoners will once again show their solidarity and remember those who died in these attacks as they #WalkTogether to work. We face new and changing threats, but London will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorists who seek to divide us with extremism and violence.'
Later, Mr Cameron and Mr Johnson attended a service at St Paul's Cathedral, as did the Duke of York, Home Secretary Theresa May and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Tony Blair, who was Prime Minister at the time of the attacks with his wife Cherie, and Ken Livingstone who was Mayor of London.
Survivors, relatives of the dead and members of the emergency services were all invited to the poignant event, in which prayers were led by priests who helped minister people in the hours and days after the blasts.
Candles representing the site of each incident were carried by people who helped deal with the immediate aftermath, including Mr Psaradakis, and Dr Peter Holden, who provided urgent treatment at the scene.
The names each of the 52 victims were read out and at the end of a minute's silence the four candles were lit and petals were released from the dome.
Dr David Ison, dean of St Paul's Cathedral, began the service by telling the congregation: 'We come together to share our grief and to comfort one another; to find strength and to foster resilience; and to affirm that even in our darkest hour the light of faith and the flame of hope burn strong.'
Mr Johnson then gave a reading from the New Testament, which said: 'Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
'And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.'
In his address, Richard Chartres told those assembled: 'Soon after 7/7 the families and friends of the victims compiled a book of tributes.
'It is a taste of the ocean of pain surrounding the loss of each one of the victims.
'The tribute book is also very revealing about the character of the London which the bombers attacked.
'The majority of the victims were young. They came from all over the UK and all over the world.'
He added: 'There could have been so easily demonstrations of anger but beyond the numbing shock there was solidarity.
'London had been attacked and our unity was in our grieving.'
The Bishop made a pledge on behalf of world faith leaders at St Paul's.
He said: 'We stand united in our determination to resist and overcome the evil of terrorism.
'We belong to different faith traditions but we share a common grief at the suffering which has been inflicted on so many of our fellow men and women, here and abroad.'
He added: 'We recommit ourselves to fostering the mutual trust between communities so that they may flourish side by side on the basis of respect and understanding.'
The St Paul's service heard four reflections of the blast sites.
David Boyce, who was one of the first London Underground staff to realise a bomb had exploded near Russell Square, described how the area is home to the British Museum, the University of London, and is also a place where T S Eliot worked.
He said: 'Here, men and women seek understanding and their search for truth challenges the ignorance which casts so much darkness over our world.'
The silence was also observed across the capital's public transport network.
Announcements were halted and bus drivers asked to bring vehicles to a stop if they can do so safely.
Tube services ran as normal but passengers were asked to observe the silence and announcements will be halted for the duration, Transport for London said.
A whistle marked the beginning of the minute's silence in Hyde Park, where at least 20 people stood beside the memorial - many bowing their heads, while more members of the public stood further back behind barriers.
And at Wimbledon, play was delayed so that players, fans and officials could observe the tenth anniversary commemoration at 11.30am.
Spectators on Murray Mound bowed their heads, with even those waiting in the queue to get into the grounds taking part.
Schoolboy James Lloyd, 13, from Stafford, was at SW19 with his aunt Susan Leicester, 56, to watch the action on Centre Court.
He said: 'It was poignant, showing respect to those that died and were injured.
'To think that people have died - you think how lucky you are to be alive now.
'I also thought of the stupid people who decided to do that, it's just wrong and shouldn't happen.'
Lesley Saunders, 72, from Guernsey, was on Murray Mound for the commemoration.
She said: 'It was amazing, everybody observed it except for the cameras clicking.
'It brought back visions of that day, I was thinking of the poor people who were left behind.
'I think it's very important that we should remember it because it affected to many people, emotionally as well as through injury and death.'
A second service, to be attended by the Duke of Cambridge, will take place at Hyde Park later, featuring music, a series of readings and the laying of flowers.
Jacqui Putnam, who survived the Edgware Road explosion, said: 'It doesn't seem like ten years ago. There is only one group of people who I want to be with and that is my survivor family.'
Ms Putnam, from Cambridgeshire, said her overriding feeling will be sadness as she remembers the 52 people who were killed.
'I think of them as my silent friends,' she said. 'Those 52 people are with me every day because I could so easily have been with them. The fact that I'm not is random luck.'
July 7 2005 had dawned with London still elated from learning the previous day that it had won the 2012 Olympics, but within hours, the country was consumed by horror and grief.
Suicide bombers Mohammed Sidique Khan, 30, Shehzad Tanweer, 22, Hasib Hussain, 18, and Jermaine Lindsay, 19, met at Luton station that morning, taking a train to King's Cross in London, where they hugged and separated to carry out their deadly missions.
Within three minutes of 8.50am, Tanweer detonated his bomb at Aldgate, Khan set his device off at Edgware Road and Lindsay blew himself up between King's Cross and Russell Square.
Hussain detonated his device on a number 30 bus at Tavistock Square at 9.47am.
Twenty-six died in the bombing at Russell Square on the Piccadilly line, six in the bombing at Edgware Road on the Circle line, seven in the bombing at Aldgate on the Circle line, and 13 in the bombing on the bus at Tavistock Square.
A fortnight later, another four would-be suicide bombers launched failed attacks on the Tube and a bus, leading to police marksmen killing innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.
Mr Johnson says the 7/7 killers 'failed in their aim'.
Speaking in Hyde Park, before the wreath laying, he said the terrorists 'didn't in any way change the fundamentals of London and what makes this city great', adding: 'Indeed, it's gone from strength to strength in the ten years since.
'I think most people would say that London has become even more cosmopolitan, even more welcoming.'
But Mr Johnson said today people have to remember that 'the problem has not gone away', adding: 'We're as ready as we think we can be, and as you can imagine there are preparations going on all the time in the event of all kinds of attacks.'
Mr Johnson said today's remembrance was intended to show the bereaved, survivors and the emergency services that they have the support of all those across the city.
A group of about 25 American students, who are in London studying national security as part of their political science course at Indiana University, were among the members of the public who visited the Hyde Park memorial today.
Zach Post said it is 'devastating' to think of what happened this day ten years ago, and described it as 'unfathomable'.
Sebastian Cacho said he found seeing the memorial and wreaths to be 'emotional for sure', while Jack Buskirk said he was 'glad' to see London honouring the tenth anniversary.
Jake Carroll said: 'It's nice to see everyone supporting it.'
Tony Blair, who was Prime Minister at the time of the attacks arrives for the service at St Paul's with his wife Cherie (top). Mayor Boris Johnson was also in attendance (bottom)
Lord Mayor of London Alan Yarrow and Prince Andrew, Duke of York (top) arrive for the service, along with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe (bottom)
In a note attached to his wreath, Mr Cameron wrote: 'To the victims of terrorism in London ten years ago today. We grieve your loss and will honour your memory for ever'
Vote Ukip: Last week, just days before today's poignant commemorations, a group of homeless Eastern Europeans sparked outrage by camping at the Hyde Park memorial site and eating their dinner off the plaque
#walktogether: Thousands of defiant London commuters get off the Tube early and walk their final stop in memory of the 52 people who died in 7/7 terror attacks 10 years ago today
It is ten years to the day that the country suffered one of its most abhorrent attacks on freedom. And as Britain remembers the events of 7/7/2005, thousands have put on a defiant display in the face of the ever-encroaching threat of terror. In memory of those killed in the bombings a decade ago, commuters across London and the rest of the UK today stepped off the train, tube and bus one stop early to walk the remainder of their journey. Uniting in their tributes to the dead, they shared photographs of the poignant gesture on Twitter accompanied with #walktogether. Some held signs bearing the phrase while others photographed their feet and held hands, posting their photographs on social media. It came as David Cameron, Boris Johnson and other leading parliamentary figures laid wreaths at a memorial in Hyde Park in memory of the 52 people were killed in the attacks. Families of those who died when suicide bombers detonated a series of blasts across London were also at Kings Cross to meet commuters today.
Londoners #walktogether in memory of 7/7 victims 10 years on from terror attack | Daily Mail Online
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