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London attack: Theresa May says Westminster assailant was British-born and known to MI5 – live London terror attack: Third victim named as US tourist Kurt Cochran
(35 minutes later)
2.09pm GMT
14:09
Some news now from the police probe in Birmingham, from my colleague Jamie Grierson. Officer are searching an address in Winson Green, Birmingham.
Police vans are parked outside the property in Quayside, while uniformed officers were seen entering the flat. Eyewitnesses told reporters that police vans arrived at the property around 1am.
2.05pm GMT
14:05
Third victim named as US tourist Kurt Cochran
An American tourist from Utah has been named as the third victim of the Westminster Bridge attack, Kurt Cochran. His wife Melissa is still in hospital, according to her sister.
In a public post on Facebook, her sister wrote:
SO, SO SORRY to inform everyone - Kurt has passed away from the injuries he received during the attack in London.
My sister, Melissa, has a broken leg, a broken rib, and a cut on her head.
While we are glad she survived, our hearts are broken and will never be the same after losing our dear uncle, brother-in-law, father. Kurt, you are a HERO, and we will never forget you.
Updated
at 2.12pm GMT
1.57pm GMT
13:57
Some more details are emerging about some of the injured. Italy’s ambassador Pasquale Terracciano says she has visited an Italian woman in hospital who lost consciousness for about 10 minutes after being struck by the car’s bumper.
The woman, a tourist from Rome, underwent surgery for a compound leg fracture. She also suffered a less serious injury to two of her vertebrae near her neck, and head trauma.
The German foreign office has also confirmed that among those injured yesterday is a female German citizen – no more information than that yet.
The number of different nationalities tells you a lot about the location of the attack – and London as a city. A diverse, multicultural city which attracts so many different people from around the world to visit, work and make their homes.
Updated
at 2.11pm GMT
1.55pm GMT
13:55
The Ukip leader, Paul Nuttall, has put out a lengthy statement about the attack saying that Muslim communities “must do far more” to combat extremism. He said:
Muslim communities must do far more to cut this cancer out of their midst. We need a more rigorous and assertive official approach on this. There should be no more pussyfooting around agonising whether ‘Prevent’ strategies risk stigmatising people. Muslim citizens – just like non-Muslim ones – need to know it is simply unacceptable to be aware of radicalisation but to withhold information from the authorities.
He did not acknowledge that the Muslim Council of Britain had condemned the attack strongly, first in a statement issued yesterday soon after the attack happened, and again in a more extensive statement today.
Updated
at 2.13pm GMT
1.53pm GMT
13:53
The UN security council, which is being chaired by the foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, will observe a minute of silence at 2pm to mark the atrocity.
Updated
at 2.12pm GMT
1.42pm GMT1.42pm GMT
13:4213:42
The Duchess of Cambridge has expressed her sympathy with the victims and injured of the Westminster attack.The Duchess of Cambridge has expressed her sympathy with the victims and injured of the Westminster attack.
Speaking as the Out Of The Blue educational films were released at an event in central London, Kate said: Speaking as the Out of the Blue educational films were released at an event in central London, Kate said:
I know you would all want to join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to all those sadly affected by yesterday’s terrible attack in Westminster.I know you would all want to join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to all those sadly affected by yesterday’s terrible attack in Westminster.
We will be thinking of all the families, as we discuss the important issues we’re here to talk about.We will be thinking of all the families, as we discuss the important issues we’re here to talk about.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.42pm GMT at 2.15pm GMT
1.41pm GMT1.41pm GMT
13:4113:41
On the World at One just now Alan Johnson, the Labour former home secretary, said that one problem yesterday was that the gates to New Palace Yard (the main entrance to the Palace of Westminster for cars) were open because a vote was taking place. Those were the gates through which the attacker entered. Johnson said:On the World at One just now Alan Johnson, the Labour former home secretary, said that one problem yesterday was that the gates to New Palace Yard (the main entrance to the Palace of Westminster for cars) were open because a vote was taking place. Those were the gates through which the attacker entered. Johnson said:
The other thing was there was a vote at the time. When the votes are on, the gates are open so that ministers can drive in from wherever they are in their different departments in Whitehall. We might have to think about that as well.The other thing was there was a vote at the time. When the votes are on, the gates are open so that ministers can drive in from wherever they are in their different departments in Whitehall. We might have to think about that as well.
Johnson also suggested that there might be a case for arming all police on duty at the Palace of Westminster (a proposal also backed by Theresa Villiers, the Conservative former Northern Ireland secretary, in the Commons earlier - see 11.57am.) Johnson said: Johnson also suggested that there might be a case for arming all police on duty at the Palace of Westminster (a proposal also backed by Theresa Villiers, the Conservative former Northern Ireland secretary, in the Commons earlier - see 11.57am). Johnson said:
The armed police are the second line of defence. The first line of defence, all too often, are the unarmed police, which we might need to rethink.The armed police are the second line of defence. The first line of defence, all too often, are the unarmed police, which we might need to rethink.
Updated
at 1.47pm GMT
1.23pm GMT1.23pm GMT
13:2313:23
Westminster Bridge has reopenedWestminster Bridge has reopened
The major crossing where the car attack on pedestrians took place has reopened already, police say. However, there are still widespread closures in the area.The major crossing where the car attack on pedestrians took place has reopened already, police say. However, there are still widespread closures in the area.
#Breaking Westminster Bridge reopened less than 24 hours after Wednesday's attack, police on duty in the area confirm#Breaking Westminster Bridge reopened less than 24 hours after Wednesday's attack, police on duty in the area confirm
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.26pm GMTat 1.26pm GMT
1.22pm GMT1.22pm GMT
13:2213:22
The injuries suffered by an Irish person in the Westminster terror attack are not life threatening, the Republic’s parliament has been told. The injuries suffered by an Irish person in the Westminster terror attack are not life-threatening, the republic’s parliament has been told.
As the Press Association reports, deputy prime minister Frances Fitzgerald revealed the victim’s condition as she described the murders in central London as a “cowardly act”. As the Press Association reports, the deputy prime minister, Frances Fitzgerald, revealed the victim’s condition as she described the murders in central London as a “cowardly act”.
Updated
at 1.49pm GMT
1.18pm GMT1.18pm GMT
13:1813:18
Jason BurkeJason Burke
Here’s more from Jason Burke on the language used in the Isis propaganda and on British-born extremists. Here’s more from Jason Burke on the language used in the Isis propaganda and on British-born extremists:
“Soldiers” responding to the call is used to describe people like Omar Mateen, who opened fire in a nightclub in Florida last year and who claimed allegiance to IS during the attack without any prior contact with the group. “Soldiers” responding to the call is used to describe people such as Omar Mateen, who opened fire in a nightclub in Florida last year and who claimed allegiance to Isis during the attack without any prior contact with the group.
Other terms are used to describe attackers like those who made up the Paris/Brussels network who, for the most part, were trained, commissioned and despatched by IS planners after spending time in Syria. Other terms are used to describe attackers such as those who made up the Paris/Brussels network who, for the most part, were trained, commissioned and dispatched by Isis planners after spending time in Syria.
The vast majority of attackers are local - many born in the countries they attack in, or at least naturalised citizens or long-term residents. Same in France, with a couple of recent exceptions, and elsewhere in Europe. The vast majority of attackers are local – many born in the countries they attack in, or at least naturalised citizens or long-term residents. Same in France, with a couple of recent exceptions, and elsewhere in Europe.
The idea that terrorists systematically fly thousands of miles to infiltrate and strike is a fallacy - though it does occasionally happen. 9/11 set up this idea, but was an anomaly. The idea that terrorists systematically fly thousands of miles to infiltrate and strike is a fallacy – though it does occasionally happen. 9/11 set up this idea, but was an anomaly.
ISIS claim issued in English, Arabic, French and German. Yes, it was aimed at “enemy” but aimed at supporters too. IS needs to boost morale. It’s motto is “to endure and expand”. The Isis claim was issued in English, Arabic, French and German. Yes, it was aimed at “enemy” but aimed at supporters too. Isis needs to boost morale. It’s motto is “to endure and expand”.
It’s done precious little of either recently, so needs to make a point to potential and actual sympathisers and militants already in ranks who may be losing heart.It’s done precious little of either recently, so needs to make a point to potential and actual sympathisers and militants already in ranks who may be losing heart.
anyone interested will find lots more of my analysis, reporting etc on Islamic militancy & linked issues on FB page:https://t.co/hdzgI0dBHkanyone interested will find lots more of my analysis, reporting etc on Islamic militancy & linked issues on FB page:https://t.co/hdzgI0dBHk
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.30pm GMT at 1.52pm GMT
1.16pm GMT1.16pm GMT
13:1613:16
The Russian president Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to Theresa May for the attack. In a statement released by the Kremlin, he said: The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, offered his condolences to Theresa May for the attack. In a statement released by the Kremlin, he said:
Terrorist attacks are becoming increasingly cunning and cynical.Terrorist attacks are becoming increasingly cunning and cynical.
It is obvious that all members of the international community should join forces to stand up against the terrorist threat.It is obvious that all members of the international community should join forces to stand up against the terrorist threat.
Updated
at 1.52pm GMT
1.09pm GMT1.09pm GMT
13:0913:09
Denis CampbellDenis Campbell
Denis Campbell, our health policy editor, has just sent this: The boss of the NHS today lauded the “immense personal bravery” and vital role played by health service personnel across the capital who helped the casualties from yesterday’s attack. Denis Campbell, our health policy editor, has just sent this:
The boss of the NHS today lauded the “immense personal bravery” and vital role played by health service personnel across the capital who helped the casualties from yesterday’s attack.
Speaking at an event in the City of London, Simon Stevens said:Speaking at an event in the City of London, Simon Stevens said:
I would like to just start, given what happened, the terrible events of yesterday afternoon, by using this opportunity to thank the staff across the NHS in London who responded so brilliantly to the terrorist outrage in Westminster.I would like to just start, given what happened, the terrible events of yesterday afternoon, by using this opportunity to thank the staff across the NHS in London who responded so brilliantly to the terrorist outrage in Westminster.
The fact is that this was not just paramedics and ambulance crew but staff from St Thomas’s hospital running across Westminster Bridge into potential danger. I think that really demonstrates not only the professional skill of all our staff across the NHS but also immense personal bravery. The fact is that this was not just paramedics and ambulance crew but staff from St Thomas’ hospital running across Westminster Bridge into potential danger. I think that really demonstrates not only the professional skill of all our staff across the NHS but also immense personal bravery.
Stevens marked one minute’s silence for the victims of the attack alongside staff who oversaw the NHS response from its London Incident Coordination Centre, which was activated as soon as news came through about 2.30 on Wednesday. Stevens marked one minute’s silence for the victims of the attack alongside staff who oversaw the NHS response from its London Incident Coordination Centre, which was activated as soon as news came through about 2.30pm on Wednesday.
In all 68 paramedics and ambulance crew personnel from the London Ambulance Service were involved in the response to the attack. and casualties were treated at five London hospitals: St Mary’s, Chelsea & Westminster, King’s College, Royal London and St Thomas hospitals. In all 68 paramedics and ambulance crew personnel from the London ambulance service were involved in the response to the attack. and casualties were treated at five London hospitals: St Mary’s, Chelsea & Westminster, King’s College, Royal London and St Thomas’.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.09pm GMT at 2.00pm GMT
1.08pm GMT1.08pm GMT
13:0813:08
Patrick WintourPatrick Wintour
Poland’s prime minister became the first senior European leader to draw a link between the London attack and the European Union’s migrant policy, saying the assault vindicated Warsaw’s refusal to take in refugees.Poland’s prime minister became the first senior European leader to draw a link between the London attack and the European Union’s migrant policy, saying the assault vindicated Warsaw’s refusal to take in refugees.
Poland’s government has refused to accept any of the 6,200 migrants allocated to it under the European Union’s quota scheme that is designed to share the burden of taking in the large numbers of migrants and refugees who have come to Europe over the past two years.Poland’s government has refused to accept any of the 6,200 migrants allocated to it under the European Union’s quota scheme that is designed to share the burden of taking in the large numbers of migrants and refugees who have come to Europe over the past two years.
“I hear in Europe very often: do not connect the migration policy with terrorism, but it is impossible not to connect them,” Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told private broadcaster TVN24.“I hear in Europe very often: do not connect the migration policy with terrorism, but it is impossible not to connect them,” Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told private broadcaster TVN24.
The EU’s migration commissioner, Dimitris Avramopoulos, on a visit to Warsaw, warned member states against failing to host refugees to help alleviate pressure on frontline states bearing the brunt of arrivals across the Mediterranean.The EU’s migration commissioner, Dimitris Avramopoulos, on a visit to Warsaw, warned member states against failing to host refugees to help alleviate pressure on frontline states bearing the brunt of arrivals across the Mediterranean.
“The commissioner should concentrate on what to do to avoid such acts as yesterday in London ... Poland will not succumb to blackmail such as that expressed by the commissioner,” Szydlo said.“The commissioner should concentrate on what to do to avoid such acts as yesterday in London ... Poland will not succumb to blackmail such as that expressed by the commissioner,” Szydlo said.
“The commissioner is coming to Warsaw and trying to tell us: you have to do what the EU decided, you have to take these migrants .... Two days later another terrorist attack in London occurs,” she said.“The commissioner is coming to Warsaw and trying to tell us: you have to do what the EU decided, you have to take these migrants .... Two days later another terrorist attack in London occurs,” she said.
1.06pm GMT1.06pm GMT
13:0613:06
The former US president Barack Obama has said no act of terror will shake the resilience of the British.The former US president Barack Obama has said no act of terror will shake the resilience of the British.
My heart goes out to the victims and their families in London. No act of terror can shake the strength and resilience of our British ally.My heart goes out to the victims and their families in London. No act of terror can shake the strength and resilience of our British ally.
1.02pm GMT1.02pm GMT
13:0213:02
Rowena MasonRowena Mason
Nigel Farage has used the London terror attack as a reason to justify Donald Trump’s travel ban on travellers from Muslim-majority countries as he appeared on Fox News to claim it showed there should be more vetting of migrants.Nigel Farage has used the London terror attack as a reason to justify Donald Trump’s travel ban on travellers from Muslim-majority countries as he appeared on Fox News to claim it showed there should be more vetting of migrants.
The former Ukip leader appeared on the US network in the early hours of the morning to blame politicians who embrace multiculturalism and uncontrolled immigration from Middle Eastern countries for “inviting in terrorism”. He said it was a reason for US citizens to stop protest against Trump’s travel ban, even though Theresa May has confirmed police believe the attacker was British born. He said:The former Ukip leader appeared on the US network in the early hours of the morning to blame politicians who embrace multiculturalism and uncontrolled immigration from Middle Eastern countries for “inviting in terrorism”. He said it was a reason for US citizens to stop protest against Trump’s travel ban, even though Theresa May has confirmed police believe the attacker was British born. He said:
We’ve made some terrible mistakes in this country, and it really started with the election of Tony Blair back in 1997, who said he wanted to build a multicultural Britain.We’ve made some terrible mistakes in this country, and it really started with the election of Tony Blair back in 1997, who said he wanted to build a multicultural Britain.
His government even said they sent out search parties to find immigrants from all over the world to come into Britain. Do you know what? I don’t think we vetted a single one of them.His government even said they sent out search parties to find immigrants from all over the world to come into Britain. Do you know what? I don’t think we vetted a single one of them.
The problem with multiculturalism is that it leads to divided communities. It’s quite different to multiracialism. That’s fine, that can work very happily and extremely well. But we’ve finished up with very divided communities.The problem with multiculturalism is that it leads to divided communities. It’s quite different to multiracialism. That’s fine, that can work very happily and extremely well. But we’ve finished up with very divided communities.
I’m sorry to say that we have now a fifth column living inside these European countries. Surely an American audience seeing this horrendous thing happening in Westminster should start to say to itself that when Donald Trump tries to put in place vetting measures, he is doing it to protect your country.I’m sorry to say that we have now a fifth column living inside these European countries. Surely an American audience seeing this horrendous thing happening in Westminster should start to say to itself that when Donald Trump tries to put in place vetting measures, he is doing it to protect your country.
Frankly, all those people out protesting in Fifth Avenue in New York and elsewhere need to have a good, long hard think about what they are doing.Frankly, all those people out protesting in Fifth Avenue in New York and elsewhere need to have a good, long hard think about what they are doing.
Frankly, if you open your door to uncontrolled immigration from Middle Eastern countries, you are inviting in terrorism.Frankly, if you open your door to uncontrolled immigration from Middle Eastern countries, you are inviting in terrorism.
I do actually think that the moment has come for us to actually point the blame. What these politicians have done in the space of just 15 years may well affect the way we live in this country over the next 100 years.I do actually think that the moment has come for us to actually point the blame. What these politicians have done in the space of just 15 years may well affect the way we live in this country over the next 100 years.
Victoria Ayling, a Ukip heritage and tourism spokesman, also retweeted a series of inflammatory posts about “challenging the West’s Muslim’s problem” and a need for “action against Islam”.Victoria Ayling, a Ukip heritage and tourism spokesman, also retweeted a series of inflammatory posts about “challenging the West’s Muslim’s problem” and a need for “action against Islam”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.04pm GMTat 1.04pm GMT
12.58pm GMT12.58pm GMT
12:5812:58
The Guardian’s Jason Burke has some useful context on the credibility of the statement from Isis. The language in the statement does not name the attacker and suggested he was inspired by the group rather than organised.The Guardian’s Jason Burke has some useful context on the credibility of the statement from Isis. The language in the statement does not name the attacker and suggested he was inspired by the group rather than organised.
this useful. Vocab of ISIS claim indicates that group did not have prior knowledge of #londonattack, as does lack of biog details. https://t.co/9HOqdRjrFUthis useful. Vocab of ISIS claim indicates that group did not have prior knowledge of #londonattack, as does lack of biog details. https://t.co/9HOqdRjrFU
ISIS clearly stating that #londonattack came “in response to its call to target Crusader countries”. i.e. not a directed/commissioned strike https://t.co/eSHQ0htpTXISIS clearly stating that #londonattack came “in response to its call to target Crusader countries”. i.e. not a directed/commissioned strike https://t.co/eSHQ0htpTX
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.10pm GMTat 1.10pm GMT
12.50pm GMT12.50pm GMT
12:5012:50
Helen PiddHelen Pidd
At Birmingham Central Mosque, chairman Mohammed Afzal was ready with a statement for journalists on Thursday condemning the London attacks.At Birmingham Central Mosque, chairman Mohammed Afzal was ready with a statement for journalists on Thursday condemning the London attacks.
He handed out copies of a booklet called Terrorism Is Not Islam, a 12-page guide the mosque has produced. Fifty-five thousand copies of the leaflet were handed out at mosques, schools and shops across Birmingham, supported by West Midlands police.He handed out copies of a booklet called Terrorism Is Not Islam, a 12-page guide the mosque has produced. Fifty-five thousand copies of the leaflet were handed out at mosques, schools and shops across Birmingham, supported by West Midlands police.
Afzal said he didn’t know if the terrorist had attended the mosque because they did not yet know his identity.Afzal said he didn’t know if the terrorist had attended the mosque because they did not yet know his identity.
He questioned why the intelligence services had stopped monitoring the attacker.He questioned why the intelligence services had stopped monitoring the attacker.
“Why did MI5 not keep an eye on him?” he asked.“Why did MI5 not keep an eye on him?” he asked.