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London terror attack: Khalid Masood named by police as responsible for Westminster attack London terror attack: Khalid Masood named by police as responsible for Westminster attack
(35 minutes later)
4.19pm GMT
16:19
PC Keith Palmer’s former team have laid a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives yesterday.
PC Keith Palmer's former team lay a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives yesterday #WestminsterAttack https://t.co/QRkLOW6Ken
4.17pm GMT
16:17
PM visits injured in London hospital
Heather Stewart
Theresa May has made a 40-minute private visit to an unnamed London hospital to comfort victims of yesterday’s attacks and thank medical staff, her spokesman said at this afternoon’s lobby briefing.
May also travelled to Buckingham Palace last night, at about 6pm, to hold her usual audience with the Queen, the spokesman confirmed.
He said May had signed the condolence book for the victims of the attacks and had received calls from a series of world leaders since the attack, including the French president, François Hollande, German chancellor Angela Merkel and Donald Trump.
Updated
at 4.19pm GMT
4.14pm GMT
16:14
MPs have been attending a special service in the House of Commons led by the Speaker’s chaplain, Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin.
Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, and the shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz were among the MPs in attendance. Many were in tears, others had their heads bowed.
Two services took place at 12.30pm and 3pm, with another at 6.30pm.
Updated
at 4.18pm GMT
4.08pm GMT
16:08
Here are some of the places where flags are flying at half mast today after the Westminster attack.
4.08pm GMT
16:08
Keith Palmer's family pay tribute to 'brave and courageous' officer
The family of PC Keith Palmer have released a statement through the Met police:
Keith will be remembered as a wonderful dad and husband. A loving son, brother and uncle. A longtime supporter of Charlton FC. Dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous.
A friend to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed. We love him so much. His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask that they are left to grieve alone in peace.
The police have also released more details of Palmer’s career, he joined the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command in April 2016 and before that was in the territorial support group, based at Catford but patrolling and working across London. Before the TSG, he was based in Bromley borough between 2002 and 2009.
Keith was 48 and joined the Met in November 2001. He was married with a five-year-old daughter. He was nominated in 2015 for best thief taker in the Commissioner’s Excellence Awards, having made more than 150 arrests in 12 months.
PC James Aitkenhead, who worked alongside him in the TSG, called him a “genuinely nice person”.
When I heard what had happened I knew it would be him because that’s just the sort of guy he was, to step straight in when others might step back. He had a great work ethic, he worked on our warrants’ car for years, getting up at 4am to serve warrants and arresting wanted offenders. He was always so positive, always staying late after everyone else and getting in early.
In his personal life he was a massive Charlton Athletic fan and had a season ticket. We will miss him so much.
Insp Mark Turner, from the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command, who most recently worked withPalmer, said:
He really was a solid reliable member of the team – he came in and just got the job done, quietly and efficiently. He was a fantastic member of staff and will be sorely missed.
As a mark of respect, Palmer’s shoulder number – 4157U – will be retired and not reissued to any other officer.
Updated
at 4.15pm GMT
4.02pm GMT4.02pm GMT
16:0216:02
My Westminster colleague Peter Walker is on the newly reopened Westminster Bridge, where many My Westminster colleague Peter Walker is on the newly reopened Westminster Bridge, where floral tributes are being left.
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
I was chatting to a family from Norwich who made detour to Westminster Bridge to leave flowers: "It seemed like the right thing to do."I was chatting to a family from Norwich who made detour to Westminster Bridge to leave flowers: "It seemed like the right thing to do."
Updated
at 4.12pm GMT
3.54pm GMT3.54pm GMT
15:5415:54
Jeremy Corbyn has been laying flowers on Westminster bridge as a tribute to those killed yesterday. He also said he had signed the book of condolence for PC Keith Palmer. He said Palmer was “a great man who did a great job in parliament”. Jeremy Corbyn has been laying flowers on Westminster Bridge as a tribute to those killed yesterday. He also said he had signed the book of condolence for PC Keith Palmer. He said Palmer was “a great man who did a great job in parliament”.
Updated
at 4.21pm GMT
3.48pm GMT3.48pm GMT
15:4815:48
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
A woman from an inner-city Birmingham estate that was raided by anti-terror police has claimed the dead London terrorist was her neighbour.A woman from an inner-city Birmingham estate that was raided by anti-terror police has claimed the dead London terrorist was her neighbour.
Iwona Romek, a factory worker who did not know the attacker’s name, described the killer as a father who was a keen gardener and lived with his Asian wife and young child.Iwona Romek, a factory worker who did not know the attacker’s name, described the killer as a father who was a keen gardener and lived with his Asian wife and young child.
Romek, 45, who has lived in Quayside in Winson Greenfor 12 years, confirmed she knew the London terrorist when she was shown a photograph of him on the stretcher.Romek, 45, who has lived in Quayside in Winson Greenfor 12 years, confirmed she knew the London terrorist when she was shown a photograph of him on the stretcher.
I have been so shocked by it all. They were a nice family, very reserved. He was very calm. I saw the photos on the TV and knew it was the man who lived here. He had a wife, a young Asian woman, and a small child who went to school.I have been so shocked by it all. They were a nice family, very reserved. He was very calm. I saw the photos on the TV and knew it was the man who lived here. He had a wife, a young Asian woman, and a small child who went to school.
Romek said the family moved out a few months ago. The house is now occupied by new tenants. On Thursday afternoon a police van remained parked outside the white front door.Romek said the family moved out a few months ago. The house is now occupied by new tenants. On Thursday afternoon a police van remained parked outside the white front door.
He was a nice guy. I used to see him outside doing his garden. Never any trouble.He was a nice guy. I used to see him outside doing his garden. Never any trouble.
Romek said the man and his family moved out around Christmas very suddenly and did not say goodbye.Romek said the man and his family moved out around Christmas very suddenly and did not say goodbye.
Describing the late-night raid, she said officers had swarmed the terraced mews house.Describing the late-night raid, she said officers had swarmed the terraced mews house.
I just heard a lot of banging and shouting. They were shouting to open the door. It was all a bit scary. There was a helicopter above and men in white suits.I just heard a lot of banging and shouting. They were shouting to open the door. It was all a bit scary. There was a helicopter above and men in white suits.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.52pm GMTat 3.52pm GMT
3.46pm GMT3.46pm GMT
15:4615:46
The JustGiving page set up to support the family of PC Keith Palmer has now raised more than £100,000, a spokesman for the site said. It is now the fastest growing JustGiving crowdfunding page in history.The JustGiving page set up to support the family of PC Keith Palmer has now raised more than £100,000, a spokesman for the site said. It is now the fastest growing JustGiving crowdfunding page in history.
The site reached its £100,000 target in just over six hours with donations from more than 5,500 members of the public. JustGiving has also made a donation of £10,000.The site reached its £100,000 target in just over six hours with donations from more than 5,500 members of the public. JustGiving has also made a donation of £10,000.
People have also been donating to the London air ambulance.People have also been donating to the London air ambulance.
About £10,000 has been donated overnight to @LDNairamb in thanks for the efforts of its medics yesterday. To donate £5, text SAVE to 70800About £10,000 has been donated overnight to @LDNairamb in thanks for the efforts of its medics yesterday. To donate £5, text SAVE to 70800
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.55pm GMTat 3.55pm GMT
3.33pm GMT3.33pm GMT
15:3315:33
Heather StewartHeather Stewart
Boris Johnson is addressing the UN security council in New York on Thursday. He was in Washington when the attack took place, where he was offered President Trump’s personal condolences by vice-president Mike Pence.Boris Johnson is addressing the UN security council in New York on Thursday. He was in Washington when the attack took place, where he was offered President Trump’s personal condolences by vice-president Mike Pence.
Sources close to the former mayor of London said he was “shocked and disgusted” by the attack on his home city and that the terrorist attack underlined the importance of confronting Daesh [Isis], the topic of yesterday’s talks in the US capital. He is expected to travel on to Turkey, where he will discuss heightened aviation security measures.Sources close to the former mayor of London said he was “shocked and disgusted” by the attack on his home city and that the terrorist attack underlined the importance of confronting Daesh [Isis], the topic of yesterday’s talks in the US capital. He is expected to travel on to Turkey, where he will discuss heightened aviation security measures.
This is what he tweeted about the attack yesterday.This is what he tweeted about the attack yesterday.
Heartbreaking. This is not the first attack on London or our Parliament - and won't be the last - but our values will prevail.Heartbreaking. This is not the first attack on London or our Parliament - and won't be the last - but our values will prevail.
Nations around the world are pouring out their sympathies for us today. This is a fight we're all in together.Nations around the world are pouring out their sympathies for us today. This is a fight we're all in together.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.39pm GMTat 3.39pm GMT
3.33pm GMT3.33pm GMT
15:3315:33
Khalid Masood was known to police but not subject of surveillanceKhalid Masood was known to police but not subject of surveillance
Masood, 52, was born in Kent and detectives believe he was most recently living in the West Midlands. Masood was also known by a number of aliases, police said in a statement.Masood, 52, was born in Kent and detectives believe he was most recently living in the West Midlands. Masood was also known by a number of aliases, police said in a statement.
Scotland Yard said Masood was not the subject of any current investigations and there was no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack.Scotland Yard said Masood was not the subject of any current investigations and there was no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack.
However, he was known to police and had a range of previous convictions for assaults, including GBH, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences.However, he was known to police and had a range of previous convictions for assaults, including GBH, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences.
His first conviction was in November 1983 for criminal damage and his last conviction was in December 2003 for possession of a knife.His first conviction was in November 1983 for criminal damage and his last conviction was in December 2003 for possession of a knife.
He had not been convicted for any terrorism offences.He had not been convicted for any terrorism offences.
Anyone with any information about Masood can call the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.Anyone with any information about Masood can call the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.38pm GMTat 3.38pm GMT
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 GMT
14:49
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”.
2.48pm GMT
14:48
These are some of the floral tributes in Westminster and next to the National Police Memorial.
2.43pm GMT
14:43
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/0TCigitTsi
Updated
at 3.01pm GMT
2.42pm GMT
14:42
Rajeev 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 3.04pm GMT