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London Bridge attack: police make 12 arrests in Barking as death toll rises to seven - live updates London Bridge attack: police make 12 arrests in Barking as death toll rises to seven - live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.48pm BST
13:48
Nadia Khomami
Richard Angell was in Arabica bar and kitchen in Borough Market when the attack took place last night. This morning he returned to the restaurant, where he was having dinner with friends, to pay his bill and tip the staff.
In an interview with the BBC, a defiant Angell said: “If me having a gin and tonic with my friends, flirting with handsome men, hanging out with brilliant women is what offends these people so much, I’m going to do it more not less, because that’s what makes London so great, that’s what makes it the best city in the world, and we’re going to go out and enjoy it more.”
Angell said he was more determined than ever “to love a city that looks after me”.
He said the emergency services were “phenomenal”. “They were there within seconds, they kept us safe, they swept the place. Two things really stuck with me. One, when we were leaving, the police were our eyes and ears, as we’re trying to avoid blood or people’s shoes that have fallen off or dropped wallets or whatever, they were our eyes and ears.
“Secondly I noticed the paramedic who was looking after a woman who was sadly face down on the ground, there was a couple of them, I thought they run at danger, then they turn their back to danger, to put together the life in front of them while we’re running for our lives behind them.”
He added: “I might never meet the people who made the judgments that potentially saved my life last night, but I’m thankful to those people. I hope London hugs them in lots of ways.”
Brilliant & defiant interview from someone who was in a restaurant attacked last night here in London. The right response from a tough city. pic.twitter.com/iyZT8V63Vc
1.32pm BST
13:32
Nadia Khomami
A taxi driver has told how his passenger saved lives by using her body to barricade a restaurant door in order to stop an attacker from coming in.
Aksha Patel said the woman, who was travelling with one other person in his cab, had acted as a barrier for “a few seconds”, allowing people to escape from the back entrance of the Black and Blue restaurant.
He told Sky News: “She knew they were bad people trying to break in.“ She managed to hold the door for a few seconds but they overpowered her. “People managed to escape through the rear door possibly saving a good 20 people’s lives.”
It is just one of a number of extraordinary stories emerging about ordinary people’s acts of heroism, without which the death toll from last night could have been higher.
Updated
at 1.37pm BST
1.26pm BST
13:26
Injured off-duty Met officer tackled terrorist - sources
The off-duty Met police officer injured during the attacks tackled one of the terrorists, sources have said. Another two people were injured during the confrontation.
Scotland Yard has confirmed that the off-duty officer, as well as a British Transport Police (BTP) officer, were injured in the attack.
Updated
at 1.37pm BST
1.12pm BST1.12pm BST
13:1213:12
12 people have been arrested in Barking, Met says12 people have been arrested in Barking, Met says
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have arrested 12 people in Barking in connection with last night’s attacks. In a statement, the Met said: Officers from the Met’s counter terrorism command have arrested 12 people in Barking in connection with last night’s attacks. In a statement, the Met said:
At 22.08hrs on Saturday, 3 June, we received reports that a white van had struck pedestrians on London Bridge. At 22.08hrs on Saturday, 3 June, we received reports that a white van had struck pedestrians on London Bridge. The van then drove to Borough Market where the three men left the vehicle and stabbed a number of people. The suspects were wearing what we now know to be hoax suicide vests.
The van then drove to Borough Market where the three men left the vehicle and stabbed a number of people. The suspects were wearing what we now know to be hoax suicide vests. Armed officers confronted the three suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market. Seven people have died, in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. A further 48 people were taken to hospital, some of whom are believed to be suffering serious and life-threatening injuries.
Armed officers confronted the three suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market.
Seven people have died, in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. A further 48 people were taken to hospital, some of whom are believed to be suffering serious and life threatening injuries.
The MPS is in the process of informing next of kin and specialist officers have been deployed to provide support to families.The MPS is in the process of informing next of kin and specialist officers have been deployed to provide support to families.
The Met added that among those injured in the attack are a British Transport Police officer and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer. Both remain in hospital with serious injuries but neither are believed to be in a life-threatening condition. The Met added that among those injured in the attack are a British Transport Police officer and an off-duty Metropolitan police officer. Both remain in hospital with serious injuries but neither is believed to be in a life-threatening condition.
Updated
at 1.19pm BST
1.09pm BST1.09pm BST
13:0913:09
Matthew TaylorMatthew Taylor
Furqan Navi, who lived in the block raided by police in Barking this morning, said he recognised his neighbour as one of the attackers lying dead in Borough Market after he had been shot by armed police.Furqan Navi, who lived in the block raided by police in Barking this morning, said he recognised his neighbour as one of the attackers lying dead in Borough Market after he had been shot by armed police.
“He lived there with his wife and two children, he’d been there for about three years. He seemed pretty friendly but I didn’t know him,” Navi said.“He lived there with his wife and two children, he’d been there for about three years. He seemed pretty friendly but I didn’t know him,” Navi said.
Another neighbour said he had seen the man two days ago. “He seemed a friendly, cool sort of guy. He was friendly and liked playing with kids. He was in his 20s I guess.”Another neighbour said he had seen the man two days ago. “He seemed a friendly, cool sort of guy. He was friendly and liked playing with kids. He was in his 20s I guess.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.11pm BSTat 1.11pm BST
1.08pm BST1.08pm BST
13:0813:08
Here is the full statement from Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, on the London Bridge attack:Here is the full statement from Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, on the London Bridge attack:
Chancellor #Merkel on #LondonAttacks: My thoughts are with our British friends. I wish those injured a swift recovery. (BPA) pic.twitter.com/Bo2ZVaQxNjChancellor #Merkel on #LondonAttacks: My thoughts are with our British friends. I wish those injured a swift recovery. (BPA) pic.twitter.com/Bo2ZVaQxNj
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.11pm BSTat 1.11pm BST
12.58pm BST12.58pm BST
12:5812:58
This is how Theresa May (or whoever writes her tweets) has chosen to summarise the speech she gave earlier:This is how Theresa May (or whoever writes her tweets) has chosen to summarise the speech she gave earlier:
Enough is enough. Read my response to last night’s brutal terror attack: https://t.co/MHQ4SPG0aQEnough is enough. Read my response to last night’s brutal terror attack: https://t.co/MHQ4SPG0aQ
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.03pm BSTat 1.03pm BST
12.57pm BST12.57pm BST
12:5712:57
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
President Trump is still tweeting about the London attack. Bizarrely, he seems to think what happened supports the case against gun control.President Trump is still tweeting about the London attack. Bizarrely, he seems to think what happened supports the case against gun control.
Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!
12.51pm BST12.51pm BST
12:5112:51
Here is some reaction to Theresa May’s speech (see 11.56am) from commentators and political figures.Here is some reaction to Theresa May’s speech (see 11.56am) from commentators and political figures.
From Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader:From Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader:
May now talks tough on terrorism. She had 6 years in charge of this as Home Secretary.May now talks tough on terrorism. She had 6 years in charge of this as Home Secretary.
May says enough is enough. We should have reached this conclusion years ago.May says enough is enough. We should have reached this conclusion years ago.
From Matt Zarb-Cousin, who until recently was Jeremy Corbyn’s press officer:From Matt Zarb-Cousin, who until recently was Jeremy Corbyn’s press officer:
Most people will see Theresa May's statement for what it is: politicising a terrorist attack because she's worried about losing the electionMost people will see Theresa May's statement for what it is: politicising a terrorist attack because she's worried about losing the election
Theresa May has been Home Secretary and Prime Minister for the past 7 years. She has failed to protect the British people from terrorism https://t.co/YYOqFqTFIyTheresa May has been Home Secretary and Prime Minister for the past 7 years. She has failed to protect the British people from terrorism https://t.co/YYOqFqTFIy
For May to come out the day after a terrorist attack attempting to distract from her own record by blaming the internet is utterly risibleFor May to come out the day after a terrorist attack attempting to distract from her own record by blaming the internet is utterly risible
May politicising the attack means her record is now fair game: police cuts, under resourcing of MI5 and our relationship with Saudi ArabiaMay politicising the attack means her record is now fair game: police cuts, under resourcing of MI5 and our relationship with Saudi Arabia
From Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former press secetary:From Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former press secetary:
Mrs May is happy enough to tolerate the extremism of the Brextremist Lie Machine newspapers spewing hate day after day.Mrs May is happy enough to tolerate the extremism of the Brextremist Lie Machine newspapers spewing hate day after day.
From Alex Nunns, the writer and author of a book about Corbyn:From Alex Nunns, the writer and author of a book about Corbyn:
This morning May agreed to suspend election campaigning & then politicised a tragedy in her speech. She is campaigning. Poor judgement.This morning May agreed to suspend election campaigning & then politicised a tragedy in her speech. She is campaigning. Poor judgement.
When Corbyn made an obvious point 4 days after Manchester he was accused of politicising it. Are all those pious voices criticising May now?When Corbyn made an obvious point 4 days after Manchester he was accused of politicising it. Are all those pious voices criticising May now?
Im livid about May's speech.She was Home Secretary for 6 years! Now she tries to win an election by saying there's "far too much tolerance."Im livid about May's speech.She was Home Secretary for 6 years! Now she tries to win an election by saying there's "far too much tolerance."
From the Daily Mirror’s Kevin Maguire:From the Daily Mirror’s Kevin Maguire:
May's was a political, campaigning speech. So who since 2010 was Home Sec then PM if "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country"? https://t.co/04VnT6AZTZMay's was a political, campaigning speech. So who since 2010 was Home Sec then PM if "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country"? https://t.co/04VnT6AZTZ
From the New Statesman’s Stephen Bush:From the New Statesman’s Stephen Bush:
This doesn't look like campaign suspension to me. Also remarkable from Home Secretary for 6 years. https://t.co/ToU6mmpcxFThis doesn't look like campaign suspension to me. Also remarkable from Home Secretary for 6 years. https://t.co/ToU6mmpcxF
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.07pm BSTat 1.07pm BST
12.49pm BST12.49pm BST
12:4912:49
Terrorist was shot dead by police mid-attack in pub - eyewitnessTerrorist was shot dead by police mid-attack in pub - eyewitness
Hannah Ellis-PetersenHannah Ellis-Petersen
Lewis Bennett, 39, was a witness to the attack that took place in the Globe pub in London Bridge. Bennett described how the attacker, who was between 25 and 30, and clean-shavenLewis Bennett, 39, was a witness to the attack that took place in the Globe pub in London Bridge. Bennett described how the attacker, who was between 25 and 30, and clean-shaven
, was dressed in a black robe and had a curved knife in his belt, which was about 1ft long., was dressed in a black robe and had a curved knife in his belt, which was about 1ft long.
“Everyone gasped when he ran into the pub but he didn’t do anything at first, just stood still for about 10 seconds,” said Bennett. “But then he grabbed the knife and stabbed people closest to him. He stabbed people in the stomach and legs, I think about five or six people. People started screaming and running out the back door. He was shouting ‘Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar’ and he had a British accent.“Everyone gasped when he ran into the pub but he didn’t do anything at first, just stood still for about 10 seconds,” said Bennett. “But then he grabbed the knife and stabbed people closest to him. He stabbed people in the stomach and legs, I think about five or six people. People started screaming and running out the back door. He was shouting ‘Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar’ and he had a British accent.
“I went to go stand in the loo and I could hear all the screaming. I came back out and he was standing there right in the centre of the pub and all the blood was dripping from his blade.”“I went to go stand in the loo and I could hear all the screaming. I came back out and he was standing there right in the centre of the pub and all the blood was dripping from his blade.”
Bennett said two policemen then came in through the back door. The attacker lunged at one of the policemen but the other knelt on the floor and fired two shots at the attacker, taking him out instantly.Bennett said two policemen then came in through the back door. The attacker lunged at one of the policemen but the other knelt on the floor and fired two shots at the attacker, taking him out instantly.
“He died there on the pub floor,” said Bennett. ”The police came in and covered the body and the paramedics came in to help the people who hadn’t escaped through the back door. I think a few died but most people were still alive I think. It looked like there were about five people who were attacked. It was such a frightening ordeal, it was so frightening.”“He died there on the pub floor,” said Bennett. ”The police came in and covered the body and the paramedics came in to help the people who hadn’t escaped through the back door. I think a few died but most people were still alive I think. It looked like there were about five people who were attacked. It was such a frightening ordeal, it was so frightening.”
Bennett told the Guardian he had had a drink at the time of the attack and could not remember every detail.Bennett told the Guardian he had had a drink at the time of the attack and could not remember every detail.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.00pm BSTat 1.00pm BST
12.45pm BST12.45pm BST
12:4512:45
Barking residents report arrest at raided flatBarking residents report arrest at raided flat
Barking residents have been speaking to my colleagues, Robert Booth and Matthew Taylor, about a raid on a property believed to be linked to one of the London attackers and where as many as five arrests are thought to have been made.Barking residents have been speaking to my colleagues, Robert Booth and Matthew Taylor, about a raid on a property believed to be linked to one of the London attackers and where as many as five arrests are thought to have been made.
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, described the man who lived in a flat at the centre of the raid as a slim, bearded man in his mid-20s, married with a young child, no older than two. He is believed to be of Pakistani origin.A neighbour, who asked not to be named, described the man who lived in a flat at the centre of the raid as a slim, bearded man in his mid-20s, married with a young child, no older than two. He is believed to be of Pakistani origin.
She told the Guardian she had recognised her neighbour as the man from a picture that circulated last night of one of the attackers lying on the ground in Borough Market after he had been shot by armed police.She told the Guardian she had recognised her neighbour as the man from a picture that circulated last night of one of the attackers lying on the ground in Borough Market after he had been shot by armed police.
Her suspicion appeared to be confirmed when she woke on Sunday morning to see police officers photographing his red Peugeot car.Her suspicion appeared to be confirmed when she woke on Sunday morning to see police officers photographing his red Peugeot car.
“I realised it was him,” she said. “It is shocking. Everybody here has children and jobs. We never thought anyone here would have the type of mentality to do something like that. I used to see them every night, He had a wife and child and would drop them off home and would look for a parking spot.“I realised it was him,” she said. “It is shocking. Everybody here has children and jobs. We never thought anyone here would have the type of mentality to do something like that. I used to see them every night, He had a wife and child and would drop them off home and would look for a parking spot.
“He never used to communicate with the women here. I just knew him as the guy that always came at a certain time and would drop his wife and kid off right close to the main door and then go.“He never used to communicate with the women here. I just knew him as the guy that always came at a certain time and would drop his wife and kid off right close to the main door and then go.
“He never used to park where he should park. He never really looked at us and if he did he didn’t look happy as if he had a why are women out on the street at this time of the night type of look on his face.” She said he wore traditional Islamic robes and his wife wore a full-face veil.“He never used to park where he should park. He never really looked at us and if he did he didn’t look happy as if he had a why are women out on the street at this time of the night type of look on his face.” She said he wore traditional Islamic robes and his wife wore a full-face veil.
“He used to have the beard, the long dress that men wear, sometimes white, sometimes dark-coloured,” she said.“He used to have the beard, the long dress that men wear, sometimes white, sometimes dark-coloured,” she said.
Michael Mimbo, 25, had been getting ready for his shift as a security guard. “I heard cars screeching up the road and lots of shouting of ’get down get down’. I went outside to see what was going on and there were armed police everywhere.Michael Mimbo, 25, had been getting ready for his shift as a security guard. “I heard cars screeching up the road and lots of shouting of ’get down get down’. I went outside to see what was going on and there were armed police everywhere.
“There were three people lying on the floor with guns pointed at them and I saw another one being Tasered as he tried to get away – it was chaos.” Mimbo said he had seen the man before but did not know him. He said that in all he saw five people – four men and one woman being detained.“There were three people lying on the floor with guns pointed at them and I saw another one being Tasered as he tried to get away – it was chaos.” Mimbo said he had seen the man before but did not know him. He said that in all he saw five people – four men and one woman being detained.
Another neighbour, Furqan Navi, 35, said he believed the raid had centred on a ground-floor flat in the Elizabeth Fry block of flats in Barking where a family had lived for at least three years.Another neighbour, Furqan Navi, 35, said he believed the raid had centred on a ground-floor flat in the Elizabeth Fry block of flats in Barking where a family had lived for at least three years.
“There was lots and lots of shouting so I looked out of the window and there were armed police everywhere – it was most alarming.”“There was lots and lots of shouting so I looked out of the window and there were armed police everywhere – it was most alarming.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.58pm BSTat 12.58pm BST
12.43pm BST
12:43
Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, has posted a statement about the London Bridge attacks on Facebook. Here’s an extract.
Today we collectively resolve to beat the terrorists and their nihilistic creed. To those who sympathise or encourage or harbour or aid or abet these killers – in any way – we say enough is enough.
Your time is up. The wells of tolerance are running empty. We will not let you disrupt our lives or our democracy.
In the week of this general election millions of people need to hear the arguments on either side. They cannot have that fundamental right taken away by terrorists. Millions of Londoners will today get on with their lives. They will go to the pub and to the museums and to the parks and to the shows.
The response of the British people will be to carry on with business and usual – as far as they possibly can – in a spirit of total defiance. And that is the best response of all.
Updated
at 12.50pm BST
12.35pm BST
12:35
The US president, Donald Trump, has criticised the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in his latest tweet:
At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"
We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse
12.33pm BST
12:33
Metropolitan police officers among injured - federation chief
Jamie Grierson
The chair of the Metropolitan branch of the Police Federation has confirmed Metropolitan police officers are among the injured.
Ken Marsh said:
I can confirm that sadly some of our colleagues were among the injured in the attack last night. I join all UK police colleagues in wishing them a swift recovery. We are offering them our full support.
He added:
First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific events last night and we wish well to those still injured. There can be no doubt that the swift response of our colleagues – both armed and unarmed – saved further lives from being lost.
There are barely words to describe their bravery – officers who ran towards danger with no thought for their own safety. Londoners can rightly be proud of their emergency services today. They are the best of the best and we thank everyone for their praise and kind comments.
It has been reported that a British Transport Police officer was also among the injured.
Updated
at 12.47pm BST
12.30pm BST
12:30
Theresa May has spoken to the French president, Emmanuel Macron, about the London Bridge attack, Patrick Wintour reports.
Macron and May spoke this morning (in English) discussing victims, first stages of inquiry and need to combat extremism in social media.
Updated
at 12.36pm BST
12.29pm BST
12:29
A journalist reported missing in the wake of the London terror attack has been found, a friend said. Geoff Ho, a business editor with the Sunday Express, is in intensive care after allegedly being stabbed.
Friends had tweeted that Ho was put in an ambulance after being injured near the Southwark Tavern. The friend, Isabelle Oderberg, tweeted: “We have found Geoff. He is in intensive care.
“Thank you for the RTs and messages. I’ll be going offline now until I hear more.”
Nora Calder also tweeted: “Geoff Ho, stabbed at Southwark Tavern, taken in Ambulance.”
The Sunday Express editor, Martin Townsend, said: “Geoff Ho is an absolutely first-class reporter and a fine and decent man and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time. We are all hoping and praying for a speedy recovery.”
Updated
at 12.36pm BST
12.26pm BST
12:26
Ewen MacAskill
The security services and police fear the London Bridge and Borough Market attack may inspire further copycat attacks.
The concern is that the Westminster attack in March, the Manchester bombing last month and London Bridge last night will have a galvanising effect on others who had been half-contemplating attacks.
The security services will be watching to see what impact the attacks have on the estimated 3,000 Britons, mainly Islamists, that they monitor and who are regarded as being capable of domestic terrorism.
The worry about copycat attacks explains why Theresa May, in her statement outside Downing Street, spoke about “terrorism breeds terrorism”.
Since the 2005 London bombing in which 52 were killed, the security services have had a relatively good record. But the tempo has suddenly increased, with three major attacks in just over two months, and several plots disrupted in the same period, one of which has still to be made public.
One of the questions the security services will be looking at is whether those involved in the London Bridge and Borough Market attack were inspired by the Westminster and Manchester attacks.
Updated
at 12.28pm BST
12.24pm BST
12:24
Vikram Dodd
Evidence gained from a recent counter-terrorism operation recorded alleged plotters being inspired by the Westminster attack in March to attempt their own atrocity.
In her speech on Sunday morning, the prime minister said terrorists were being inspired by copying previous recent attacks against the UK, as officials and ministers searched for answers as to why Britain is facing such an upsurge in jihadi activity in the last 10 weeks.
Counter-terrorism investigators believe the upsurge in jihadi attack plots is also possibly linked to the holy month of Ramadan, which began in late May and continues until late June.
In 2016, Ramadan saw an upsurge in attacks around the world. This year it has involved an increase in attempts to attack the UK, one source said. Five plots believed to be at an advanced stage were disrupted since the Westminster attack, four in London and one in Birmingham.
MI5 currently has 3,000 suspects it is investigating for activity ranging from attack plots to support activities and funding, across 500 investigations. It also has a pool of 20,000 former suspects, among whom for instance was the Manchester arena attacker, Salman Abedi.
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12.21pm BST
12:21
Severin Carrell
Police Scotland has warned it will crack down on any incidents of hate crime after last night’s terror attack in London, and said it will “dynamically review” all its security and safety planning, including the deployment of extra armed officers.
There was an increase in reported hate crimes in Scotland, chiefly graffiti attacks on mosques and verbal attacks, after the Manchester Arena bomb.
Assistant chief constable Steve Johnson said:
While we understand that the public will clearly be appalled by these events, I would urge each and every member of our communities to remain united against extremism and hate.
Police Scotland will not tolerate any attempts to target any community by any misguided individual or group and will work with all of our partners to resolve any issues and address any concerns. Should anyone become a victim of, or witness to, any hate crime, they should contact the police and report the incident.
Johnson added there was no specific intelligence or threat of attack in Scotland, which has an autonomous domestic policing and justice system except for UK-wide intelligence, security and border policing services. The same UK-wide threat level of severe applies too.
Police Scotland continues to dynamically review all safety and security plans and operations. An element of this includes ensuring our armed policing and specialist resources are appropriately deployed.
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at 12.31pm BST
12.20pm BST
12:20
Sarah Marsh
The Australian actor who featured in Orange is the New Black, Ruby Rose, was reportedly caught up in the London terror attacks. On Saturday, Rose said on Twitter she was in “lockdown”:
I'm lost for words but please know I am currently safe in London in lockdown with @Jessicaveronica -Absolutely tragic and frightening night.
Rose was with with girlfriend Jessica Origliasso, who is one half ofthe Australian band The Veronicas. Origliasso also tweeted about herexperiences.
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at 12.32pm BST
12.16pm BST
12:16
Sam Jones
The Spanish foreign ministry has released a statement condemning the atrocity in London and stressing it solidarity with the UK.
“Spain shares the pain of the families of those who have died in these cowardly attacks and wishes all those injured a swift recovery,” it said. “The government offers the British people and authorities its total solidarity and support in the fight against terrorism.”
It added: ‘The Spanish embassy in the UK and the consulate in London have been following the situation since the start to help Spanish citizens and remain in constant contact with the British authorities.”
Updated
at 12.33pm BST