Host Kate Garraway asked whether he was ‘safe’
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, many reporters on the ground in the country are risking their safety to provide audiences across the world with the latest on the crisis.
One of these reporters is Richard Gaisford, Good Morning Britain‘s chief correspondent, who had viewers fearing for his safety after his reports on Friday morning.
Gaisford was speaking to hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard when he was forced to don a helmet and flak jacket during his live broadcast.
While the reporter was speaking about the attacks overnight, a siren could be heard in the background.
Gaisford explained: “As we talk, the air raid sirens are going off here in Kyiv – becoming something of a regular pattern here now. Just letting the population know that there is a threat where they can to take shelter and to obviously make an assessment for themselves and their own security.”
This prompted Garraway to ask: “Richard, when we hear those air raid sirens and I know our viewers are worried for you. Are you safe? Should you be running to take shelter? What precautions have you taken?”
Putting on a helmet, he replied: “Yeah, we have taken a number of precautions but we have got our – in fact, it’s just being passed to me.
Gaisford was forced to put a protective helmet and vest on during his report (ITV)“We have got our personal protective equipment to put on. We also have our vests, should the need arise. It is a tricky time for many, obviously, in the city who don’t have this kind of equipment to hand.
“As I look out now, there are still people walking through the street, walking the dogs.”
Garraway then interrupted to say: “We’re going to let you get to safety, Richard, and we’ll get back to you.”
He returned later in the show, continuing to report on the situation in Kyiv but viewers were still worried for him, taking to Twitter to voice their concerns, the Mirror reports.
'There is a large number of explosions around the outskirts of the city.'@richardgaisford has the latest from Kyiv where air raid warning sirens have been ringing out this morning. pic.twitter.com/jD71tjwRJN
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 25, 2022
One wrote: “OMG get Richard home ffs not worth the shot #GMB.”
Another said: “#gmb we’re very concerned for you lol WELL WTF IS RICHARD DOING THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE with his stpd hat on and vest ..YOU DON’T need to be there.”
A third pleaded: “#GMB @GMB @benshephard Please can you let viewers know that @richardgaisford is safe and will be able to get back to UK.”
Someone else commented: “@richardgaisford @kategarraway @benshephard #GMB Get Richard out of there!!”
On Thursday, Gaisford provided his followers with an update to “alleviate any worries” about his current situation.
Very much appreciate concern being expressed for our safety in Kyiv. Hopefully this little video will alleviate any worries about our current situation whilst doing our @GMB broadcasts. pic.twitter.com/ikeweXeLCh
— Richard Gaisford (@richardgaisford) February 24, 2022
Related links:
- Heartbreaking pictures expose result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- Reporters in Ukraine interrupted by explosions and missiles overhead
- Paris to host Champions League final after UEFA strip Russia of showpiece game
