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London terror attack: third victim named as US tourist Kurt Cochran London terror attack: third victim named as US tourist Kurt Cochran
(35 minutes later)
3.29pm GMT
15:29
Westminster attacker named as Khalid Masood
Police have named the attacker as Khalid Masood. He was 52, born in Kent and detectives believe he was most recently living in the West Midlands.
3.24pm GMT
15:24
The Conservative MP Tom Pursglove witnessed the shooting of the attack from close up yesterday. He has put a statement about this on his Facebook page. Here’s an extract.
I was witness to part of the attack and saw, at close proximity, the assailant being shot by a police officer, in what was a great act of bravery in order to protect the lives of others. This was obviously a very unpleasant and upsetting experience for all those who bore witness to it and I was particularly grateful to the prime minister who took the time to call me last night - this was extremely kind of her, given all that was going on.
3.22pm GMT
15:22
President Trump has tweeted a tribute to the American killed in the attack yesterday.
A great American, Kurt Cochran, was killed in the London terror attack. My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends.
3.18pm GMT
15:18
Amber Jamieson
Rightwing commentators have wasted no time in appearing on US media and using the Westminster attack to further their political agendas.
Nigel Farage has appeared twice on US television already, today arguing that the London attacks prove Donald Trump is right on hardline immigration and anti-Muslim policy.
“It seems to me our political leaders really ought to start saying sorry,” the former Ukip leader told Tucker Carlson on Fox News on Thursday morning.
Surely this is the big takeout: when Donald Trump tries to makes America safer, when Donald Trump tries to make sure that these scenes we’ve had in Paris, Brussels and Berlin and now London aren’t repeated in America, we have people on Fifth Avenue and behind me in Westminster out on the streets protesting.
What these politicians have done for the last 15 years may well affect how we live in this country for the next 100 years.
He appeared on Fox News on Wednesday night, just hours after the attack, making a similar point. “We’ve made some terrible mistakes in this country,” Farage told Sean Hannity on Fox News. “When Donald Trump tries to put in place vetting measures, he’s doing it to protect your country,” he added.
He wasn’t the only hardline conservative to appear in the US media. the Daily Mail columnist Katie Hopkins also turned up on Carlson’s Fox show, echoing Farage’s xenophobic rhetoric.
We’re a country that spends so much time tiptoeing around the cultures that refuse to join us and not enough time defending the culture they’ve chosen to join, but because I say those things I am widely hated for those views. People are cowed, people are afraid and people are not united.
UK writers on US alt-right websites also used the London terror attacks to incite hatred against Muslims.
In a video on InfoWars, which published conspiracy theories about Hillary Clinton’s health during the 2016 election, writer Paul Joseph Watson argued that it was time to “acknowledge that Islam is not a religion of peace and in serious need of reform”.
On Breitbart News, whose former executive chair Steve Bannon is now one of the most influential advisers to the president, the UK executive editor James Delingpole wrote a column declaring that Islamic terror attacks could end western liberal values.
Updated
at 3.23pm GMT
3.17pm GMT
15:17
Jonathan Bartley, the Green party co-leader, has accused Ukip of trying to exploit the attack to divide communities. Responding to the statement from the Ukip leader, Paul Nuttall (see 1.55pm), Bartley said:
Every time you think Ukip can’t sink any lower, they do. It is abhorrent that Paul Nuttall is trying to capitalise on this terrible tragedy to create division between communities.
Just a brief look around him would have revealed to Nuttall a resilient multicultural society coming together to reject violence. Trying to blame certain communities for this horrific incident is politics at its worst – the Ukip leader should be utterly ashamed.
Updated
at 3.24pm GMT
3.17pm GMT
15:17
A tragic detail has emerged about the French school whose students were caught up in the attack on Westminster Bridge.
Estelle Rouat, a pupil at the Lycée Saint-Joseph in Brittany, was one of the 89 victims who lost their lives in the massacre at the Bataclan concert hall during the Paris terror attacks of November 2015.
Three of the pupils were injured in yesterday’s attack, two seriously. A group of 36 year 11 and 12 pupils from the lycée was walking from parliament on to Westminster Bridge when they were struck by the attacker’s car. With the exception of the three wounded, all were due to fly home on Thursday.
Updated
at 3.25pm GMT
3.11pm GMT
15:11
At least 100 people have attended a memorial in Spain to commemorate Aysha Frade, who was also killed in the terror attack on Wednesday, the Press Association reports.
A minute’s silence was held in the Galician municipality of Betanzos, where the British national’s family originates and where she spent her summers.
Betanzos councillor Andres Hermida said the community in Spain was in “enormous pain” and shrouded in an “atmosphere of sadness”. He told the Press Association:
We had a minute’s silence in the Plaza de la Constitucion outside the local government building and we have declared three days of mourning, which will include flying the flag at half mast until Saturday.
About 100 people attended despite the rainy weather.
Frade, who worked in administration at independent sixth-form school DLD College London, in Westminster, is understood to have been 43 and married with two daughters.
Reports said she had left work and was crossing Westminster Bridge as part of her usual routine when she was hit by the car.
Her family is well known in Betanzos, where older sisters Silvia and Michelle run the Notting Hill English language academy. According to Hermida:
The sisters suspended classes at the academy yesterday afternoon when they received the news and they left for London, we believe with their mother.
Aysha spent her summers here and had many friends here since her childhood, so we are all very affected.
You never think things like this will happen to you and it’s horrible luck when it happens at all, but when it happens close then it hurts that much more.
It’s an immense tragedy and an enormous pain – there is a big sadness in Betanzos.
We have condemned the terrorist attack and promised our support to the family.
Updated
at 3.26pm GMT
2.49pm GMT2.49pm GMT
14:4914:49
Fumio Kishida, the Japanese foreign minister, has issued a message of condolence to the UK after yesterday’s attack and condemned “such inhuman and despicable acts of terrorism”.Fumio Kishida, the Japanese foreign minister, has issued a message of condolence to the UK after yesterday’s attack and condemned “such inhuman and despicable acts of terrorism”.
2.48pm GMT2.48pm GMT
14:4814:48
These are some of the floral tributes in Westminster and next to the National Police Memorial.These are some of the floral tributes in Westminster and next to the National Police Memorial.
2.43pm GMT2.43pm GMT
14:4314:43
My colleague Peter Walker has pictures of some of the floral tributes that are being left on Westminster bridge now that it has re-opened. My colleague, Peter Walker, has pictures of some of the floral tributes that are being left on Westminster Bridge now that it has reopened.
With Westminster Bridge now open, the floral tributes are arriving. Some moving messages. pic.twitter.com/0TCigitTsiWith Westminster Bridge now open, the floral tributes are arriving. Some moving messages. pic.twitter.com/0TCigitTsi
Updated
at 3.01pm GMT
2.42pm GMT2.42pm GMT
14:4214:42
Rajeev SyalRajeev Syal
An Army veteran who was among the first on the scene of the Westminster attack has told how he tried to save the life of murdered police officer Keith Palmer. An army veteran who was among the first on the scene of the Westminster attack has told how he tried to save the life of murdered police officer Keith Palmer.
Tony Davis, who is now a GB Boxing coach, jumped over a barrier and tried to intervene moments after the officer was attacked.Tony Davis, who is now a GB Boxing coach, jumped over a barrier and tried to intervene moments after the officer was attacked.
Davis, from Darlington, told ITV’s This Morning he was leaving parliament following a press event with a group of boxers when he saw the attack taking place.Davis, from Darlington, told ITV’s This Morning he was leaving parliament following a press event with a group of boxers when he saw the attack taking place.
There were people running, coming round towards the gate.There were people running, coming round towards the gate.
All of a sudden I saw a large chap brandishing two knives come through the gates and start attacking the policeman.All of a sudden I saw a large chap brandishing two knives come through the gates and start attacking the policeman.
At that point instinct kicked in, I leaped over the fence because that guy needed assistance. At that point instinct kicked in, I leapt over the fence because that guy needed assistance.
The police were holding their ground and that is when poor Keith got attacked. You start moving back with adrenaline pumping in.The police were holding their ground and that is when poor Keith got attacked. You start moving back with adrenaline pumping in.
t this point the assailant was coming towards us and I recall out of the corner of my eye one of the marksmen coming out and putting three rounds in him. At this point the assailant was coming towards us and I recall, out of the corner of my eye, one of the marksmen coming out and putting three rounds in him.
Appearing on the show without shoes on because they are still being cleaned, Davis told how he rushed in to give the office CPR, saying: Appearing on the show without shoes on because they are still being cleaned, Davis told how he rushed in to give the officer CPR, saying:
I just knew he was in a great deal of difficulty. Everything happened so quick but my natural instinct was to get over there and give some assistance if need be. I just knew he was in a great deal of difficulty. Everything happened so quick, but my natural instinct was to get over there and give some assistance if need be.
Initially when he fell to the ground I tried to have a look at him and put him in the recovery position and check his pulse. Initially, when he fell to the ground I tried to have a look at him and put him in the recovery position and check his pulse.
Davis said Palmer had wounds to his head, arm and another under his rib cage.Davis said Palmer had wounds to his head, arm and another under his rib cage.
About 90 seconds into it another guy called Mike came and joined in and at this time there were lots of police around, Keith’s colleagues. Three and a half minutes was when the MP [Tobias Ellwood] came in and sort of took over CPR.About 90 seconds into it another guy called Mike came and joined in and at this time there were lots of police around, Keith’s colleagues. Three and a half minutes was when the MP [Tobias Ellwood] came in and sort of took over CPR.
2.36pm GMT
14:36
Heather Stewart
I’ve been speaking to Labour sources in the House of Lords, where there were clearly some concerns about the way yesterday’s incident was handled.
Lady Angela Smith, Labour’s leader in the Lords, the chief whip Steve Bassam and their staff, were holed up there for a considerable period. For much of that time, they were reliant on tweets from journalists for information about the incident.
“We heard the gunfire and were immediately told to get away from the windows at the front of the building – and then we spent two hours on the corridor, not really knowing what was happening other than from social media,” said the source, who added that they had worked with the Conservative leader Lady Evans and her team to maintain a calm atmosphere among peers, some of whom had witnessed the events.
It was unclear at that point whether there was another attacker still at large. Black Rod, the senior parliamentary official best known for knocking on the door of the Commons at the state opening of parliament, liaised with the parliamentary authorities as peers struggled to find out what was going on. Later, Smith and others moved to their offices – and remained there until the lockdown of parliament was lifted, about five hours later.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.40pm GMT at 3.04pm GMT
2.30pm GMT
14:30
Kurt Cochran's family say he was a 'good man and loving husband'
The family of Kurt Cochran have issued a statement, through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after the American tourist was identified as the third victim of the attack in Westminster.
The couple were scheduled to fly back to the US today. Melissa Cochran’s parents are currently LDS missionaries in London.
Clinton Payne, Melissa’s brother, said in a statement:
Our family is heartbroken to learn of the death of our son-in-law, Kurt W Cochran, who was a victim of Wednesday’s terrorist attack in London. Kurt was a good man and a loving husband to our daughter and sister, Melissa.
They were in Europe to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and were scheduled to return to the United States on Thursday.
Melissa also received serious injuries in the attack and is being cared for in the hospital. We express our gratitude to the emergency and medical personnel who have cared for them and ask for your prayers on behalf of Melissa and our family.
Kurt will be greatly missed, and we ask for privacy as our family mourns and as Melissa recovers from her injuries.
Updated
at 2.37pm GMT
2.24pm GMT
14:24
Rowena Mason
Tom Brake, a member of the House of Commons Commission and the former deputy leader of the Commons, told the Guardian that he thought the review of security at the Palace of Westminster would focus on Carriage Gates, the gates used by the attacker yesterday. Brake said:
There is the Carriage Gates issue. That is the weak point within the boundary of the Palace of Westminster. I can’t preempt what any review is likely to find but I would be surprised if there weren’t attempts to direct traffic through the Black Rod entrance because traffic there is channelled through very heavy barriers. That will create no doubt some congestion problems and once they are in the parliamentary estate they would have to drive through so it would not be without an impact. But it is hard to see how a gate that can be opened to provide access to cars as quickly as Carriage Gates is not always going to create a security risk.
MPs have long been aware that security at Carriage Gates could be better. The authorities have recently been working on something called the “New Palace Yard security enhancement project”, which will include replacing temporary galvanised barriers at the entrance with a stronger vehicle barrier. A business case was meant to be approved in February 2017 and work is due to start by the end of 2017, after planning permission is obtained from Westminster Council.
Updated
at 2.38pm GMT
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 GMT
13:42
The Duchess of Cambridge has expressed her sympathy with the victims and injured of the Westminster attack.
Speaking at the launch of Out of the Blue, a series of films about mental health for parents and children, 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.
We will be thinking of all the families, as we discuss the important issues we’re here to talk about.
Updated
at 2.20pm GMT
1.41pm GMT
13:41
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:
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:
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