Tongans on social media have sent notes of comfort and encouragement to a Tongan woman who was messaged by her husband to stay inside a church during a terror attack outside the UK Parliament yesterday.
Falasima Tuʻifua Kautoke was attending a Mass at the Westminister Cathedral near the attack scene when she received the message.
Five people died and at least 40 others were injured after the attacker drove a car along a pavement in Westminster, stabbed a policeman and was shot dead by police in the grounds of Parliament.
Tonganow Online reports Falasima was in London while her husband Paulo Kautoke was working as Director of the Trade Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
She took to Facebook and wrote: “Terrorist attack in Westminister resulted in loss of lives and injured many pedestrians right at the heart of London.
“I was at Westminister Cathedral for Mass and Adoration (about 8mins walk from the site for (sic) the attack), totally unaware of the attack.
“It was after the Adoration at 4.45pm and was about to leave the Cathedral when my husband messaged me to remain in Church and informed me about the attack.
“Watching the evening news at home my heart went out to the innocent victims and their families and friends. May they rest in the love and peace of God”.
Her family members and friends on Facebook commented on her post and told her to “stay safe”.
“…thank God you’re safe and sorry for those who have lost their lives rip”, another commenter wrote.
“…he protects you from this terrorist attack coz you were at the right place….ofa atu and keep safe”, another commenter wrote.