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London terror attack: Canadian Christine Archibald named as first victim

Her husband-to-be is 'broken in a million pieces', his sister says

Sunday 04 June 2017 23:27 BST

Canadian Christine Archibald has been the first named victim to have been killed in the London terror attack (Twitter)

Christine Archibald – the first person killed in the London terror attacks to be identified – died in her fiance's arms, according to a report.

Ms Archibald, from Castlegar in British Columbia, was engaged to be married to Tyler Ferguson, his sister Cassie Ferguson told Canada's CBC News.

Ms Ferguson said her brother was "broken in a million pieces".

"He held her and watched her die in his arms," she added.

In a statement, her family said they were grieving the loss of their "beautiful, loving daughter and sister".

"She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected," they said.

"She lived this belief working in a shelter for the homeless until she moved to Europe to be with her fiancé. She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.

"Please honour her by making your community a better place. Volunteer your time and labour or donate to a homeless shelter. Tell them Chrissy sent you."

Ms Archibald is the first person killed in the attack to be identified.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "heartbroken" that a Canadian was among those killed.

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Armed police on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Police Officers outside the Barrowboy and Banker Public House on Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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London Bridge Terror Attack

Armed Police talk to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Armed police on Borough High Street as police deal with a 'major incident' at London Bridge

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Emergency services near the scene of the incident

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People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Emergency services arrive at the scene near Borough market at London Bridge

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Emergency personnel on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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Police sniffer dogs on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge

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A second helicopter lands on London Bridge as police are responding to three incidents in the capital, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge, Scotland Yard said. Officers are dealing with reports of stabbings in Borough Market, where armed officers attended and shots were fired. They are also at an incident in the Vauxhall area

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Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London

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Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain

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A police officer escorts members of the public to safety at London Bridge

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Police attend to an incident on London Bridge in London, Britain

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Police attend to an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain

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In a statement on Sunday, Mr Trudeau said: "Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people.

"I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed."

Seven people were killed and dozens 48 injured on Saturday night after a van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge before three men got out and began stabbing passersby.