Jack Merritt: Manchester University pays tribute to 'exceptional' former student killed in London Bridge terror attack

The University of Manchester has paid tribute to former student Jack Merritt, who was killed in the London Bridge terror attack on Friday.

The 25 year old was the course co-ordinator of a prisoner rehabilitation conference at Fishmongers' Hall attended by the attacker when he was fatally stabbed.

He had originally read Law at Manchester University, graduating in 2016.

The University of Manchester's President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said the staff were all "shocked and saddened" to learn of Jack's death, in such tragic circumstances.

Dr Hannah Quirk said: “I taught him at Manchester and wrote his reference for Cambridge. He was an exceptional student and a lovely young man."

Some University of Manchester staff who are specialists in Criminology were also at the event Jack was helping to organise for the Learning Together organisation.

"We have heard so far that our staff are safe, although clearly the events at London Bridge are still being investigated and were deeply shocking and traumatic for all concerned. We will offer every support to our colleagues involved."

A vigil will be held to pay tribute to Jack, and 23 year old Saskia Jones, the second victim of the attack.

The family of Mr Merritt, from Cottenham in Cambridgeshire, have asked for his death to not to be used to justify introducing “even more draconian sentences” on offenders in a heartfelt tribute released on Sunday.

They said: “He lit up our lives and the lives of his many friends and colleagues, and we will miss him terribly.

“Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog.

“We know Jack would not want this terrible, isolated incident to be used as a pretext by the government for introducing even more draconian sentences on prisoners, or for detaining people in prison for longer than necessary.”

Watch Matt O'Donoghue's report here:

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