I firstly want to take this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy to the families of Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt whose lives were cruelly taken. My thoughts also go out to those who were injured during this horrific incident on Friday.

This was a wicked and cowardly attack on innocent people and without the fantastic response by my colleagues, and the bravery of members of the public who intervened and acted instinctively to help others, the situation could have ended differently. When officers step out on duty, they never know what challenges or dangers they are going to face.

I have the utmost admiration for the professionalism of the officers who acted so swiftly and decisively under an enormous amount of pressure.

We have the most highly trained and scrutinised firearms officers in the world, who must make spilt second decisions that are unimaginable to members of the public. They have my respect and my full support.

As the investigation continues, we will provide whatever aid is required for our colleagues.

Out of respect, I would like to end where I started, by remembering the victims, Saskia and Jack. Two young innocent lives taken far too soon.