Friends: Man 'charged' at terrorists to protect others in London Bridge attack

Lewisham & Catford (England) News Shopper

Show Caption Hide Caption London terror attack: What we know Police have detained more than a dozen people and continue to gather evidence after another terror attack in London. It's the third attack in Britain in three months.

LEWISHAM, England — A soccer fan was reportedly injured when he tried to protect others during the terrorist attacks at London Bridge on Saturday.

Roy Larner is said to have "charged" at the terrorists to try to help others escape but was stabbed five times during the carnage Saturday evening.

Seven people were killed and an additional 48 injured in attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market after terrorists drove a white van into pedestrians crossing the bridge.

More: Police know identities of London attackers, will release names later

The suspects got out of the vehicle at Borough Market and stabbed a number of people, including an on-duty British Transport Police officer.

Armed police officers confronted and shot the three suspects — who were wearing fake explosive vests — within eight minutes of the first call.

Friends of Larner's set up a fundraising page to help him through his recovery and have created a petition for him to be awarded the George Cross for his bravery.

The George Cross is the second-highest award in the British honors system, according to Encyclopaedia Brittanica. It is mainly awarded to civilians, but can be awarded to military personnel.

More: London attack: Here’s what happened this weekend

A post written on Change.org said: "Roy Larner charged at the terrorists on London Bridge in order to try and stop them and help others escape, he ended up getting himself stabbed multiple times showing great courage and preparing he's (sic) body for the ultimate self sacrifice to help others, he should be acknowledged and rewarded for he's (sic) actions!"

As of late Monday morning, the petition had 1,225 supporters. The goal is 1,500.

A friend of Larner's made a pitch for financial support on the crowdfunding page, JustGiving. The original goal of £500, or nearly $650, was exceeded within hours. The effort has raised more than £6,237, or more than $8,000, so far.

More: Britain attacks: Lack of pattern puts officials on edge

More: Trump blasts London mayor, political correctness after terror attacks

Simon Willoughby shared the fundraiser on Facebook on Sunday and wrote: "This man's name is Roy Larner a friend of mine for for the past 20 odd years!

"Yesterday when the terrorist attacked he went an stuck it to them and save a persons life, but in doing so got stabbed five times in the head, neck, back, front and cut all his fingers and at present is in intensive care! Legend

"Please share this as much as possible as this is what we should be reading about not them ... delusional fanatics!!"

Follow the Lewisham & Catford (England) News Shopper on Twitter: @NewsShopper

More: 12 arrested after deadly London terror attack; ISIS claims responsibility

More: Another London terror attack: Britain's stoic capital presses on

More: Heroes emerge from horror of London terror attack