Army of comforters on hand at blast sites

Some 80 volunteers from the Salvation Army have provided support
for people caught up in last week’s attacks.

They have primarily been based at the family assistance centre in
Victoria and at an emergency vehicle inside the police cordon on
Russell Square. Some Salvation Army ministers have also accompanied
emergency workers into underground tunnels, while staff are at the
mortuary to help families identifying victims of the attacks.

Major Anne Read of The Salvation Army, who has been based at
Russell Square, said: “People who have been in the tunnel have
witnessed some very grim, disturbing scenes. They have been
grateful for the chance to talk in confidence about what they’ve
seen.”

The organisation’s Faith House offices are near King’s Cross
station, close to the scene of the most devastating attack. It was
used as a quiet area for people in shock and who needed to contact
relatives.