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London attack: questions over what police knew about Khuram Butt and Rachid Redouane – live London attack: questions over what police knew about Khuram Butt and Rachid Redouane – live
(35 minutes later)
7.47am BST
07:47
Harriet Sherwood
More than 130 imams and Muslim religious leaders have said they will refuse to say funeral prayers for the perpetrators of Saturday’s attack in London.
In a highly unusual move, Muslim religious figures from across the country and from different schools of Islam said their pain at the suffering of the victims and their families led them to refuse to perform the traditional Islamic prayer – a ritual normally performed for every Muslim regardless of their actions. They called on others to do the same.
They expressed “shock and utter disgust at these cold-blooded murders”, adding:
We will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer over the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege.
This is because such indefensible actions are completely at odds with the lofty teachings of Islam.
7.47am BST
07:47
Sam Jones
More than 48 hours after he was last seen, there is still no word on the missing Spaniard Ignacio Echeverría. The 39-year-old HSBC worker has been hailed as a hero after apparently using his skateboard to take on the attackers and defend an injured woman.
His sister has been going from hospital to hospital in a bid to find him, while his employers are said to have hired a detective to help the family with the search.
According to reports, his parents are due to fly to London today.His family said yesterday that they had been asked to provide copies of his fingerprints, something his brother described as “not a good sign”.
The delay in ascertaining what happened to Echeverría - which is clearly agonising for his family - also appears to be frustrating the Spanish government.
On Monday night, the foreign minister, Alfonso Dastis told reporters: “We’re pushing the British authorities because, frankly, this isn’t the kind of thing that can go on and on.”
7.45am BST
07:45
Matthew Weaver
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the police and security services to respond questions about they knew about Khuram Butt and why they did not act on warnings about his behaviour.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast Khan said: “Not unreasonably these questions are being asked. I’m sure the police will look into what they knew, what they could have done, what they did do and if anything could have been done differently.”
Khan acknowledged that there were thousands of potential suspects under consideration monitoring by the police. But he added: “What we need to do is make sure that we ask these questions and the police and the security services respond and answer the legitimate questions we all have.”
The Labour mayor also warned that London would be more dangerous under Conservative government budget cuts which could lead to 12,000 fewer police officers.
He said: “The Met police service has lost over the last seven years, £600m. As brilliant as they are that’s a big big cut. Over the next four years the current Conservative government has plans to cut a further £400m and on top of that they are changing the police funding formula which means we could lose a further £700m. That’s £1.7bn. We’ve worked out that if they carry through with their plans we could be losing between 3,000 and 12,000 additional officers. That’s not sustainable. There’s no doubt fewer police officers means we are in more danger.”
Khan also criticised Theresa May’s decision to invite Donald Trump on a state visit, amid his continuing spat with the president. Khan said:
When Theresa May first invited him on a state visit to our country at a time when he was proposing a travel ban on Muslims, changing the American policy on refugees, I said it was inappropriate for us to be rolling out the red carpet for Donald Trump. Nothing has changed my mind.
Of course we should have cordial relations with our closest ally ... but you call them out when they are wrong and there are so many things Donald Trump is wrong about. In those circumstances I’m not in favour of a state visit.
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Little has been made public so far about Rachid Redouane, who police say was not known to them before Saturday’s attack. But Khuram Butt was on the radar of counter-terrorism investigators, as the Guardian reports:Little has been made public so far about Rachid Redouane, who police say was not known to them before Saturday’s attack. But Khuram Butt was on the radar of counter-terrorism investigators, as the Guardian reports:
Butt went by the name Abu Zaitun and was known widely as Abs by friends at the gymnasium where he trained in weightlifting and at the two mosques where he worshipped. He had two young children, a son aged about three and a recently born baby, with a woman described locally as his wife. He reportedly had jobs on the London transport network and in a fast food restaurant and lived a couple of miles from his mother in Plaistow, east London.Butt went by the name Abu Zaitun and was known widely as Abs by friends at the gymnasium where he trained in weightlifting and at the two mosques where he worshipped. He had two young children, a son aged about three and a recently born baby, with a woman described locally as his wife. He reportedly had jobs on the London transport network and in a fast food restaurant and lived a couple of miles from his mother in Plaistow, east London.
In recent years his fundamentalist approach to religion repeatedly caused concern among people who knew him. He associated with al-Muhajiroun, the banned extremist group whose leader, Anjem Choudary, has been linked to the recruitment of more than 100 British terrorism suspects.In recent years his fundamentalist approach to religion repeatedly caused concern among people who knew him. He associated with al-Muhajiroun, the banned extremist group whose leader, Anjem Choudary, has been linked to the recruitment of more than 100 British terrorism suspects.
Community sources in east London active in working against al-Muhajiroun and the groups that succeeded it, said Butt was asked not to enter the east London mosque after concerns about his activities. One source at the mosque, on Whitechapel Road, said that after the 2017 general election was called he was seen handing out flyers telling Muslims they should not vote or participate in the democratic process. In 2015, he was asked not to enter the mosque having tried to urge worshippers inside the building not to vote.Community sources in east London active in working against al-Muhajiroun and the groups that succeeded it, said Butt was asked not to enter the east London mosque after concerns about his activities. One source at the mosque, on Whitechapel Road, said that after the 2017 general election was called he was seen handing out flyers telling Muslims they should not vote or participate in the democratic process. In 2015, he was asked not to enter the mosque having tried to urge worshippers inside the building not to vote.
He was also forcibly ejected from a Barking mosque, Jabir bin Zayd, after he repeatedly interrupted the imam shouting “only God is in charge” and refusing to stop. It is believed he was also urging people not to vote at that mosque ahead of the 2015 poll. It was around this time that the police opened their investigation into Butt.He was also forcibly ejected from a Barking mosque, Jabir bin Zayd, after he repeatedly interrupted the imam shouting “only God is in charge” and refusing to stop. It is believed he was also urging people not to vote at that mosque ahead of the 2015 poll. It was around this time that the police opened their investigation into Butt.
He also featured in a Channel 4 documentary about British jihadis broadcast last year, which showed he was involved in an altercation with police after a black flag was unfurled in Regent’s Park in London.He also featured in a Channel 4 documentary about British jihadis broadcast last year, which showed he was involved in an altercation with police after a black flag was unfurled in Regent’s Park in London.
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My colleague Hannah Ellis-Petersen was at the vigil on Monday evening for the victims of the London attack:My colleague Hannah Ellis-Petersen was at the vigil on Monday evening for the victims of the London attack:
Standing in the crowd, bearing the banner with the sign “Not In My Name”, was Qasim Chowdhury, 38, who said the Muslim community of London was shocked at the attack. He said it had been important for him to see Sadiq Khan emphasising how those who carried out the stabbings in the busy restaurants and pubs of Borough Market were not representative of the values of Islam.Standing in the crowd, bearing the banner with the sign “Not In My Name”, was Qasim Chowdhury, 38, who said the Muslim community of London was shocked at the attack. He said it had been important for him to see Sadiq Khan emphasising how those who carried out the stabbings in the busy restaurants and pubs of Borough Market were not representative of the values of Islam.
“This was a barbaric act, a heinous crime, and there’s no place for that in our religion,” said Chowdhury. “If you look at the meaning of Islam, it means peace, so for Islam to be associated with these types of crimes, these murderous acts, it has really shaken our whole community.”“This was a barbaric act, a heinous crime, and there’s no place for that in our religion,” said Chowdhury. “If you look at the meaning of Islam, it means peace, so for Islam to be associated with these types of crimes, these murderous acts, it has really shaken our whole community.”
He said he and many around him were worried about how terror and fear might change the welcoming spirit of London. “I never for once thought I would be witnessing this in my life,” said Chowdhury, who grew up in the city. “Islam is unfortunately now on the back foot because of the actions of a few.”He said he and many around him were worried about how terror and fear might change the welcoming spirit of London. “I never for once thought I would be witnessing this in my life,” said Chowdhury, who grew up in the city. “Islam is unfortunately now on the back foot because of the actions of a few.”
One family of three, who stood in the crowd sobbing and asked not to be named, said simply that they had lost someone in the Manchester terror attacks and had come to London to show “solidarity and strength”.One family of three, who stood in the crowd sobbing and asked not to be named, said simply that they had lost someone in the Manchester terror attacks and had come to London to show “solidarity and strength”.
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Peter WalkerPeter Walker
The London Bridge attack has put issues of security and counter-terrorism at the top of some voters’ election concerns, according to focus group work carried out for the Guardian, although the issue does not seem to be favouring either major party.The London Bridge attack has put issues of security and counter-terrorism at the top of some voters’ election concerns, according to focus group work carried out for the Guardian, although the issue does not seem to be favouring either major party.
Comments from undecided voters in six key constituencies following the attack that killed seven people on Saturday night are notably different to those after the Manchester bombing, according to BritainThinks, which has been carrying out the work with the Guardian.Comments from undecided voters in six key constituencies following the attack that killed seven people on Saturday night are notably different to those after the Manchester bombing, according to BritainThinks, which has been carrying out the work with the Guardian.
Tom Clarkson, the associate director of BritainThinks, said a number of those asked on Sunday what the most important issues would be affecting their vote pointed to security:Tom Clarkson, the associate director of BritainThinks, said a number of those asked on Sunday what the most important issues would be affecting their vote pointed to security:
While the Manchester Arena attack prompted an outpouring of shock and disgust among the swing voters participating in the research, Saturday night’s terrible events have prompted far more comments around the political response to the threat of terrorism.While the Manchester Arena attack prompted an outpouring of shock and disgust among the swing voters participating in the research, Saturday night’s terrible events have prompted far more comments around the political response to the threat of terrorism.
Many swing voters have suggested that security and terrorism are now the most important issue determining how they will vote on Thursday – and there now appears a greater belief that this is an ongoing challenge for the country, rather than just a terrible one-off event.Many swing voters have suggested that security and terrorism are now the most important issue determining how they will vote on Thursday – and there now appears a greater belief that this is an ongoing challenge for the country, rather than just a terrible one-off event.
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Fears are growing for missing Brisbane woman Sara Zelenak, who became separated from friends at the scene of the London Bridge terrorism attack, Australian Associated Press has reported.Fears are growing for missing Brisbane woman Sara Zelenak, who became separated from friends at the scene of the London Bridge terrorism attack, Australian Associated Press has reported.
A Facebook post by a family friend shared hundreds of times on Monday appealed for information about the 21-year-old, saying she usually rang her mother daily.A Facebook post by a family friend shared hundreds of times on Monday appealed for information about the 21-year-old, saying she usually rang her mother daily.
Zelenak’s stepfather, Mark Wallace, said from Brisbane that British authorities had been unable to shed any light on where she was following the attack on Saturday night UK time.Zelenak’s stepfather, Mark Wallace, said from Brisbane that British authorities had been unable to shed any light on where she was following the attack on Saturday night UK time.
“I feel terrible, I can’t think,” he told News Corp. “I’ve contacted every hospital in London but they can’t give out patient details or even tell us if she has been admitted.” Wallace said Zelenak’s mother, Julie Wallace, was flying to London to try to find her daughter. Zelenak had moved to London in March to work as an au pair.“I feel terrible, I can’t think,” he told News Corp. “I’ve contacted every hospital in London but they can’t give out patient details or even tell us if she has been admitted.” Wallace said Zelenak’s mother, Julie Wallace, was flying to London to try to find her daughter. Zelenak had moved to London in March to work as an au pair.
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6.17am BST6.17am BST
06:1706:17
The Metropolitan police confirmed on Monday night that all of those arrested on Sunday in connection with the attack have been released without charge. Twelve people had been detained but have now been freed:The Metropolitan police confirmed on Monday night that all of those arrested on Sunday in connection with the attack have been released without charge. Twelve people had been detained but have now been freed:
A 38-year-old woman arrested at address 1 in Barking.A 38-year-old woman arrested at address 1 in Barking.
A 28-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 28-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 52-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 52-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 55-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 55-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 27-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 27-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 55-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 55-year-old man arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 49-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 49-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 60-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 60-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 19-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 19-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 27-year-old female arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 27-year-old female arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 24-year-old female arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 24-year-old female arrested at address 2 in Barking.
A 53-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.A 53-year-old woman arrested at address 2 in Barking.
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A 23-year-old man arrested in the Chorlton area of Manchester the day after the arena bombing was also released overnight without charge.A 23-year-old man arrested in the Chorlton area of Manchester the day after the arena bombing was also released overnight without charge.
Greater Manchester police did not name him, but the description matches that of Ismail Abedi, the brother of suicide bomber Salman Abedi.Greater Manchester police did not name him, but the description matches that of Ismail Abedi, the brother of suicide bomber Salman Abedi.
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The Metropolitan police says officers have been conducting a search at an address in Ilford, east London, overnight and into this morning.The Metropolitan police says officers have been conducting a search at an address in Ilford, east London, overnight and into this morning.
It says nobody has been arrested.It says nobody has been arrested.
5.34am BST5.34am BST
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Police have identified two of the three London Bridge attackers as Khuram Butt and Rachid Redouane. The third perpetrator has not been named.Police have identified two of the three London Bridge attackers as Khuram Butt and Rachid Redouane. The third perpetrator has not been named.
Officials confirmed that Butt, 27, who was born in Pakistan but brought up in the UK, was known to police and had been investigated in 2015. He had appeared in a Channel 4 documentary, The Jihadis Next Door, and had been reported to the anti-terrorism hotline for extremism.Officials confirmed that Butt, 27, who was born in Pakistan but brought up in the UK, was known to police and had been investigated in 2015. He had appeared in a Channel 4 documentary, The Jihadis Next Door, and had been reported to the anti-terrorism hotline for extremism.
Butt was also linked to al-Muhajiroun, the banned extremist group whose leader, Anjem Choudary, was jailed last year for encouraging support for Islamic State.Butt was also linked to al-Muhajiroun, the banned extremist group whose leader, Anjem Choudary, was jailed last year for encouraging support for Islamic State.
But his case was ranked in the “lower echelons” of counter-terrorism investigations and he was not suspected of planning an attack.But his case was ranked in the “lower echelons” of counter-terrorism investigations and he was not suspected of planning an attack.
Redouane, 30, who reportedly claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan, was not known to police or MI5.Redouane, 30, who reportedly claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan, was not known to police or MI5.
Twelve people – seven women and five men – who were arrested at two properties in Barking on Sunday were released without charge on Monday evening, police said.Twelve people – seven women and five men – who were arrested at two properties in Barking on Sunday were released without charge on Monday evening, police said.
Hundreds of people gathered in London on Monday evening in a vigil for the seven people killed and dozens wounded.Hundreds of people gathered in London on Monday evening in a vigil for the seven people killed and dozens wounded.
Two of those killed have been named as Christine Archibald, from Canada, and Londoner James McMullan. A French citizen, as yet unidentified, is also known to have died.Two of those killed have been named as Christine Archibald, from Canada, and Londoner James McMullan. A French citizen, as yet unidentified, is also known to have died.
Others remain missing, including 21-year-old Australian Sara Zelenak.Others remain missing, including 21-year-old Australian Sara Zelenak.
There are 36 people still being treated in hospital for their injuries; 18 of them are in critical care.There are 36 people still being treated in hospital for their injuries; 18 of them are in critical care.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron have continued to criticise the prime minister, Theresa May, over cuts to police numbers.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron have continued to criticise the prime minister, Theresa May, over cuts to police numbers.
A book of condolence for the victims opens today at 9am at Southwark council headquarters in Tooley Street; it will move to Southwark Cathedral once the police cordon around the site of the Borough Market attack is lifted.A book of condolence for the victims opens today at 9am at Southwark council headquarters in Tooley Street; it will move to Southwark Cathedral once the police cordon around the site of the Borough Market attack is lifted.
There will be a minute’s silence across the UK at 11am.There will be a minute’s silence across the UK at 11am.
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