The Canary Wharf community remembered the devastation wreaked by the IRA bomb 30 years on from that horrific day

Inam Bashir, 29, and John Jeffries, 31, were killed in the blast, and dozens more were left with life-changing injuries, with many still suffering today.

The bomb was on a truck parked next to Inam and John’s newspaper and confectionery kiosk (Newsstop2000), and the huge force of the explosion obliterated the entire area.

The service, organised by the Docklands Victims Association, saw doves released as a symbol of peace on the site of the attack at South Quay station, just yards from the Canary Wharf financial district.

Jonathan Ganesh, President of the DVA, who was badly injured during the London Docklands Attack, said: “I can’t believe it is 30 years since the IRA blew up the London Docklands and killed my two friends. I’m very pleased to attend this anniversary service to remember all those impacted by this awful event.

"But I'm also deeply saddened as two victims who were injured in this terror attack have taken their own lives, and many victims have passed away prematurely due to the injuries sustained from the bomb. All acts of terrorism are truly acts of evil.

"Terrorism seeks to divide us — by faith, by race, by politics. Yet here we stand, united. Those who carried out these evil acts failed in their ultimate aim. They did not break our spirit.

"We live in uncertain times, but I firmly believe that those who have the courage to confront hatred with moral clarity will never stand alone. Across the world, there are countless people who share the same commitment to peace, liberty and human dignity.

"Terrorism is a grave threat, but it is not stronger than our shared humanity. Today, as people of different faiths, backgrounds and beliefs, we stand together to affirm that freedom, democracy and compassion will prevail."

Those at the services included local residents, as well as representatives for the Metropolitan Police Service, the London Fire Service, Transport for London, the London Ambulance Service, plus Deputy Mayor of London Joanne McCarthy, parliamentarians and other dignitaries. 

Survivors and family members of those impacted by the Harrods bomb, Baltic Exchange, Enniskillen and Aldwych attack were also present.

Semtex for the Canary Wharf bomb was supplied by Colonel Gaddafi's Libyan regime. However, the African state never paid compensation to the UK victims despite money being paid to many other nationalities.

Paris Panther, who was severely injured in the Aldwych Bus IRA attack on the 18th Feb 1996, said: “In solidarity with those affected by Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism, I vow to bring the state of Libya to account for its unconstitutional failure to compensate the victims. 

"The victims must receive the same level of compensation as those Americans who were killed or maimed on UK soil. Justice and parity must prevail, and we will continue to fight for what is rightfully deserved.”