Paper review: Woolwich attack contemplated

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22634881

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The Guardian describes how "on a cloudy May afternoon, terror struck again in the UK... brutally, out of nowhere, and with chilling and horrific effect".

It says people's lives were changed forever when a man, believed to be an off-duty soldier, was murdered in south London with knives and a meat cleaver.

The paper calls it "a scene of horror the like of which has never never been witnessed on the streets of the capital", pointing out it is the first deadly terror attack in Britain since the 7 July bombings in 2005.

The Daily Telegraph has spoken to one of the passers-by who confronted the killers, urging them to hand over their weapons.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who can be seen in newspapers in a photograph taken after the incident, says that, as a Cub Scout leader, she had gone over to try to give first aid.

She tells the paper that when she realised a man had been murdered, she thought she should keep the attackers talking "before they attack somebody else".

Proud history

The Sun describes another "heroine" at the scene - a passer-by who tended to the victim, while the Guardian says "a handful of incredibly brave women" tried to shield the man's body from further harm.

In its editorial, the Daily Mirror appeals for calm.

It says that, while a cold-blooded execution in broad daylight has caused shock, "terrorists win when we panic and lash out".

The Daily Star says Britain has a proud history of standing up to terror and will do so again.

The Telegraph says Britain's pride in its armed forces is one of its key values and it will not be destroyed.

'Inexcusable' treatment

The front page of the Times gives details of a child sex abuse trial which collapsed in Stafford in 2011.

The paper says proceedings can only now be reported fully and that they "shame the British legal system".

It says girls who suffered years of abuse were reduced to anguished sobbing during aggressive cross-examination - in one case for 12 days.

The paper calls their treatment "inexcusable".

Six of the seven defendants in the trial were later convicted at retrials.

The Mirror also tackles the issue.

It says the public duty now is to prevent further damage to other children and it says Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer has joined calls for urgent reform.

'Polished' PM

The promises from David Cameron and Nick Clegg that the coalition will endure until 2015 are seized upon as welcome news by the Independent.

It argues that Britain needs stable government more than ever, and that a break-up of the Conservatives and Lib Dems would not be in Britain's interests.

The Telegraph accuses Mr Clegg of "posturing" but describes David Cameron as "polished".

It says the Tories must work hard to restore their status as the natural party of government.

The Daily Mail is pleased that, at least, Messrs Cameron and Clegg are setting aside rows about gay marriage and Europe and focusing on the issue which brought them together - pulling Britain out of its debt crisis.