An Australian nurse who had been working in London, Kirsty Boden, 28, has been found dead.

Her family said in a statement: “Kirsty was loved and adored by her family, friends and boyfriend. She was the most outgoing, kind and generous person who loved to help people. Helping people was what she loved to do in her job as a nurse and in her daily life.

“As she ran towards danger, in an effort to help people on the bridge, Kirsty sadly lost her life. We are so proud of Kirsty’s brave actions which demonstrate how selfless, caring and heroic she was, not only on that night, but throughout all of her life. Kirsty – we love you and we will miss you dearly.

“We will not be making any further comments on this tragedy and ask everyone, especially the media, to give us the privacy we need to grieve away from the public eye.”

Ms Boden, from the town of Loxton in the state of South Australia, was believed to have assisted a victim during the attack but was not heard from since Saturday night.

She worked at Guy's Hospital as a staff nurse in Theatres Recovery.