Several Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht, have lowered the flags on council buildings to half mast in solidarity with the people of London following Wednesday’s terrorist attack.

Prime minister Mark Rutte said on Facebook that the Netherlands is linked to Britain as a friend and neighbour and is prepared to give support where necessary. ‘The values that Westminister represents are stronger than hate,’ he said. ‘We will continue to fight side by side with the British against terrorism.’

Rotterdam’s mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb has also written to London’s mayor Sadiq Khan expressing his condolences for the attack, in which three people died and some 20 were injured.

‘We deeply respect the “keep calm and carry on” mentality that gives – and has always given – the people of London so much strength,’ Aboutaleb said in his letter.

Vlaggen op Stopera halfstok na aanslag Londen https://t.co/7DES8gSy3f pic.twitter.com/kRV8BSUuL0

— AT5 (@AT5) March 23, 2017

Our thoughts are with the victims and relatives of the attack in #London. Flag at #TheHague City Hall at half-mast. pic.twitter.com/LPmbAgB2Ck

— City of The Hague (@CityOfTheHague) March 23, 2017