Canadians return from London day after attacks

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Canadian travelers arrived back at Pearson International Airport in Toronto to anxious family and friends after last night’s terrorist attacks.

The attack on London Bridge killed seven people, one of whom was Canadian.

It’s the third terrorist attack in the U.K. this year and security expert David Hyde says it’s all too similar to the attack on Westminster Bridge that killed five people in March.

“Copycat attacks can happen and there is some thought amongst the experts that this last attack was probably prompted by a few of the other attacks that have happened recently,” Hyde said.

He says that the attention around a terrorist attack may encourage someone to commit their own, especially in a large target such as London.

“There’s quite a few people that have been abroad and come back and had training in terrorism and been to Syria, been to Iraq, been to Libya, and are back in the country,” Hyde explained.

Though people that arrived in Toronto said they were frightened, they’re maintaining the belief that life must go on.

“It’s something that happens everywhere and we shouldn’t be afraid of it” one traveler said.

“You can’t let them win,” added another.

Hyde suggests that there’s no need to live in fear, but everyone, even us here in Canada, should stay alert.

“Being aware of the things around you, not putting yourself in a vulnerable position,” Hyde said. “If things start to look unusual or look problematic you should be aware of those signs to protect yourself and your family.”

Hyde believes that attacks using vehicles are likely to continue, as it doesn’t take any expertise, and can be done at the spur of the moment. He adds that often times terrorists express extremist ideas either in person or online before they attack.

Hyde says it takes a vigilant community working with law enforcement and the government to combat terrorism.