Unfortunately, given the instant nature of social media, photos taken near or off a terror attack can often be misconstrued for people's political agendas.

This happened on Wednesday, in the aftermath of the Westminster attack which saw the death of five and a further 50 injured.

An image captured by photographer Jamie Lorriman shows a young woman in a headscarf, walking by a an injured victim phone-in-hand.

It was quickly abused as an example of, essentially, Muslim ignorance to a jihadist terrorist attack, even though the woman was a stranger to all posting the photo and the fact there was no indication of her true sentiments.

Advert

Image: Jamie Lorriman

Neo-conversative vlogger Paul Joseph Watson shared the photo, giving it the caption: "I'll just leave this right here"

Advert

He later retracted the cheap implication by admitting he had been noted of video showing the woman helping the victim.

The woman has since spoken out.

A spokesperson for charity Tell MAMA told The Mirror that the woman contacted them immediately after the attack.

Remaining anonymous, she said in a statement: "I'm shocked and totally dismayed at how a picture of me is being circulated on social media.

Advert

"To those individuals who have interpreted and commented on what my thoughts were in that horrific and distressful moment, I would like to say not only have I been devastated by witnessing the aftermath of a shocking and numbing terror attack, I've also had to deal with the shock of finding my picture plastered all over social media by those who could not look beyond my attire, who draw conclusions based on hate and xenophobia.

"My thoughts at that moment were one of sadness, fear, and concern.

"What the image does not show is that I had talked to other witnesses to try and find out what was happening, to see if I could be of any help, even though enough people were at the scene tending to the victims.

"I then decided to call my family to say that I was fine and was making my way home from work, assisting a lady along the way by helping her get to Waterloo station.



Advert

"My thoughts go out to all the victims and their families. I would like to thank Jamie Lorriman, the photographer who took the picture, for speaking to the media in my defence."