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Finsbury Park terror attack: one dead near north London mosque – latest updates Finsbury Park terror attack: one dead near north London mosque – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
10.16am BST
10:16
There has been widespread condemnation from political leaders past and present.
The Finsbury Park attack is senseless barbarism. My thoughts and prayers are with all involved. Yet again the emergency services are heroes.
Appalling terrorist attack against Muslims worshipping peacefully in Finsbury Park. We must all stand together against such evil.
Horrified by the appalling attack in Finsbury Park.The country stands with all those affected:the victims, their families and the community.
A sickening attack on worshippers at #FinsburyPark mosque. All my thoughts are with victims, family & friends.
This horrible terrorist attack at Finsbury Park last night is truly shocking. My thoughts are with those affected. We must remain united.
10.04am BST
10:04
9.54am BST
09:54
An imam guarded the van driver who mowed down Muslim worshippers until the police arrived, telling a crowd: “Do not touch him,” PA reports.
The suspected terrorist was wrestled to the ground by passersby after he had careered, reportedly smiling, through a crowd of pedestrians, including a man in a wheelchair.
Witness Hussain Ali, 28, said that, while being restrained, the man was protected by the people he is thought to have been targeting.
He said: “The leader of the mosque said: ‘You do not touch him’. He was sitting and holding him like that, people kept holding him.
“All the police and helicopters came after around eight minutes.”
Ali described the horrifying scene unfolding outside the Islamic centre in north London early on Monday morning.
“All I heard was a banging, then I turned and saw all the shouting and running. I saw people taking a man from underneath the van, he was black, bleeding, he was not dead, he was alive.
“There was a man in a wheelchair, a man underneath the van, it was hell. People who were inside saw the attacker was smiling, he was waving, he was happy. It was panic, people were shouting, screaming, some saying it was an accident.
“It was panic, it was horror.”
Following the carnage, the valour of an imam called Mohammed Mahmoud was also hailed by the religious community.
Toufik Kacimi, the chief executive of the Muslim Welfare House, said his “bravery and courage helped calm the immediate situation after the incident and prevented further injuries and potential loss of life”.
Finsbury Park attack: 'People were hitting [the attacker] and the Imam came out to tell them not to and to call the police.' pic.twitter.com/nyoxlAh7Mc
Updated
at 10.05am BST
9.45am BST
09:45
The European commissioner for home affairs, Dimitris Avramopoulos, has added his voice to those condemning the attack and called for unity.
Strongly condemn attack near Mosque at #FinsburyPark.To those who wish to divide our communities, we have to respond with unity.
Updated
at 9.52am BST
9.42am BST
09:42
The archbishop of Canterbury has also condemned the attack. “We stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends and pray for the bereaved and injured,” he tweeted.
The attack at #FinsburyPark mosque is abhorrent. We stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends and pray for the bereaved and injured.
The appalling attack on Muslims in #FinsburyPark is an attack on us all and the culture and values of our country.https://t.co/wvTh9Ij94F pic.twitter.com/zwMcezpoWH
Updated
at 10.01am BST
9.38am BST9.38am BST
09:3809:38
Rachel ObordoRachel Obordo
If you’ve been affected by the incident and would like to share eyewitness accounts or news tips, anonymously if you prefer, with our journalists then please do so via the form here. The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.If you’ve been affected by the incident and would like to share eyewitness accounts or news tips, anonymously if you prefer, with our journalists then please do so via the form here. The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
9.37am BST9.37am BST
09:3709:37
A London Underground worker wrote this quote of the day on the service information board at Finsbury Park station: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do stick together. All of us”.A London Underground worker wrote this quote of the day on the service information board at Finsbury Park station: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do stick together. All of us”.
My local tube worker Finsbury Park pic.twitter.com/oDRRHQr7J1My local tube worker Finsbury Park pic.twitter.com/oDRRHQr7J1
9.32am BST9.32am BST
09:3209:32
Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
The suspected attack came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when several worshippers had gathered in Finsbury Park area which is home to two mosques.The suspected attack came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when several worshippers had gathered in Finsbury Park area which is home to two mosques.
Among Britain’s Muslim communities there have been fears that they are targeted for Islamophobic hate crimes and that the authorities do not take such incidents seriously enough.Among Britain’s Muslim communities there have been fears that they are targeted for Islamophobic hate crimes and that the authorities do not take such incidents seriously enough.
A spike in hate crimes was reported after the London Bridge attack, just over a fortnight ago. Security officials and senior police officers are in private, acutely aware of the need to protect Muslim communities from any “backlash”.A spike in hate crimes was reported after the London Bridge attack, just over a fortnight ago. Security officials and senior police officers are in private, acutely aware of the need to protect Muslim communities from any “backlash”.
Extremists on the far right and those following an extremist Islamist ideology want to drive a wedge between British Muslims and other communities.Extremists on the far right and those following an extremist Islamist ideology want to drive a wedge between British Muslims and other communities.
9.26am BST9.26am BST
09:2609:26
Corbyn to attend prayers at Finsbury Park mosqueCorbyn to attend prayers at Finsbury Park mosque
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is also the MP for the area, said he will be attending prayers at the Finsbury Park mosque later today.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is also the MP for the area, said he will be attending prayers at the Finsbury Park mosque later today.
In a statement he said:In a statement he said:
I am shocked by this horrific and cruel attack in Finsbury Park, which is being treated as an act of terror.I am shocked by this horrific and cruel attack in Finsbury Park, which is being treated as an act of terror.
I offer my condolences to the family and friends of the man who has died, and our thoughts are with the people who have been injured, their family and friends.I offer my condolences to the family and friends of the man who has died, and our thoughts are with the people who have been injured, their family and friends.
As the local MP, I have met with Muslim community leaders at the Muslim Welfare House alongside Islington council leader Richard Watts, the council’s chief executive Lesley Seary and the Metropolitan police.As the local MP, I have met with Muslim community leaders at the Muslim Welfare House alongside Islington council leader Richard Watts, the council’s chief executive Lesley Seary and the Metropolitan police.
Richard and I will attend prayers at Finsbury Park mosque later today.Richard and I will attend prayers at Finsbury Park mosque later today.
I appeal for people and the media to remain calm and respectful of those affected.I appeal for people and the media to remain calm and respectful of those affected.
In the meantime, I call on everyone to stand together against those who seek to divide us.In the meantime, I call on everyone to stand together against those who seek to divide us.
I am shocked by this horrific and cruel attack in Finsbury Park, which is being treated as an act of terror. pic.twitter.com/fipwZJ1eBZ
Here’s roundup of other political reaction:Here’s roundup of other political reaction:
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.36am BST at 9.51am BST
9.21am BST9.21am BST
09:2109:21
Harriet SherwoodHarriet Sherwood
The Muslim Association of Britain “unreservedly condemns this evil terror attack” and has called on the police to increase security in mosques.In a statement, it said: “We call on politicians to treat this major incident no less than a terrorist attack. We call on the government to do more to tackle this hateful evil ideology which has spread over these past years and resulted in an increase of Islamophobic attacks and division of our society, as well as spreading of hate.”Dr Omer El-Hamdoon, the association’s president, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this evil attack. I call on all Muslims to be extra vigilant following these hateful Islamophobic attacks, and to be cautious.”The Muslim Association of Britain “unreservedly condemns this evil terror attack” and has called on the police to increase security in mosques.In a statement, it said: “We call on politicians to treat this major incident no less than a terrorist attack. We call on the government to do more to tackle this hateful evil ideology which has spread over these past years and resulted in an increase of Islamophobic attacks and division of our society, as well as spreading of hate.”Dr Omer El-Hamdoon, the association’s president, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this evil attack. I call on all Muslims to be extra vigilant following these hateful Islamophobic attacks, and to be cautious.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.37am BSTat 9.37am BST
9.17am BST9.17am BST
09:1709:17
Harriet SherwoodHarriet Sherwood
Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the appalling incident at Finsbury Park.”Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the appalling incident at Finsbury Park.”
“Worryingly vehicles in London have once again become the latest weapon in the hands of terrorists. Unfortunately this means every innocent pedestrian going about their daily lives has become a target. “The incidents in the last three months suggest there needs to be an honest dialogue and a fundamental shift in the way government tackles all forms of hate and terror. “Hate and terror must be stamped out by directly confronting all those who promote an ideology and philosophy based on hate and terror.“Worryingly vehicles in London have once again become the latest weapon in the hands of terrorists. Unfortunately this means every innocent pedestrian going about their daily lives has become a target. “The incidents in the last three months suggest there needs to be an honest dialogue and a fundamental shift in the way government tackles all forms of hate and terror. “Hate and terror must be stamped out by directly confronting all those who promote an ideology and philosophy based on hate and terror.
“Sikh teachings, history and the Sikh way of life offers not only hope, but direction on how to tackle hate and terror. Those making policies in governments across the globe need to draw upon belief systems and thinking designed to deal with hate and terror head on.”“Sikh teachings, history and the Sikh way of life offers not only hope, but direction on how to tackle hate and terror. Those making policies in governments across the globe need to draw upon belief systems and thinking designed to deal with hate and terror head on.”
The European Jewish Congress also expressed shock and condemnation.The European Jewish Congress also expressed shock and condemnation.
“This is an unconscionable attack on Muslim worshippers during their holy month of Ramadan,” EJC President Moshe Kantor said. “We condemn this attack and its attempt to escalate tensions in the UK and we stand firmly besides our Muslim brothers and sisters in the aftermath of this attack.”“This is an unconscionable attack on Muslim worshippers during their holy month of Ramadan,” EJC President Moshe Kantor said. “We condemn this attack and its attempt to escalate tensions in the UK and we stand firmly besides our Muslim brothers and sisters in the aftermath of this attack.”
“An attack on one religion is an attack on all religions and all people and faiths must stand together against terror.”“An attack on one religion is an attack on all religions and all people and faiths must stand together against terror.”
9.13am BST
09:13
Harriet Sherwood
Mohammed Kozbar, the chairman of the nearby Finsbury Park mosque, said: “This is a shocking new terrorist attack - and we have to call it that. It’s no different to Manchester, Westminster or London Bridge. Innocent people have lost their lives while just going about their business. Innocent people are being killed in cold blood.”Kozbar called for action by the government and police to protect mosques, and said the his own mosque would be tightening security. “We need to show the community they are safe and protected.”Ramadan - due to end at the weekend, with the festival of Eid al-Fitr expected to begin on Sunday - was always a busy time for mosques, with people coming and going to pray all night, he added.“Finsbury Park is a diverse community, living together in harmony. The person who did this wants to spread hatred and fear. We will not let them succeed. We will all come together to support the people affected. Our thoughts and prayers are will the victims - we will comfort them and stand with them.”Finsbury Park mosque was associated with the radical cleric Abu Hamza until 2005, when it was taken over by new management. Now it is seen as a model of community relations.
Updated
at 9.37am BST
9.10am BST
09:10
Steven Morris
The van involved is marked with the livery of Pontyclun Van Hire, which is based on an industrial estate close to the M4 12 miles west of Cardiff.
A woman who answered the phone at the hire company’s offices said: “We’re not allowed to make any comment. You’ll have to try back later.”
With its headquarters on the East Side Cambrian Industrial Estate, the company has been established for 25 years. Its website says it provides “quality vans, trucks and other vehicles for hire in the south Wales area.”
9.08am BST
09:08
Alice Ross
Yousif al Khoei, director of the Al Khoei Islamic Foundation, said he came to Finsbury Park in the early hours of the morning along with rabbis as part of a multi-faith response effort.
“We are quite concerned that a state of frustration, anger and rise of extremism ... is quite detrimental to the peaceful existence people normally have in the UK, in London,” he said. “We have been worrying as faith community leaders. We have to ensure London remains peaceful, these extremists are isolated (and) we do not allow racism and islamophobia and antisemitism to take hold and we cannot allow these extremists to divide us.”
He works with police and other faith leaders to try and ease such tensions, he added. “We make sure both the community and the police are aware of the concerns of each other,” he said.
9.06am BST
09:06
Damien Gayle
Hassan Yassin, 28, from Enfield, was one of many who have come down to see what was happening in the aftermath of the attack. He said he feared it would only fuel extremism.
“This will only fuel Muslim extremists to carry out more attacks. They will use that as a justification to carry out more attacks. Both [Muslim and non-Muslim communities need to work together.”
Yassin said it was up to the mosques to debate those with radical views to persuade them that they were wrong.
“Maybe a mosque will talk about this issue once a month - it’s not enough. You can’t deport an ideology; you can’t imprison an ideology; if you deport 3,000 suspects there will be another 3,000 on the streets tomorrow.”
However, Yassin also said that work needed to be done to counter extremism in non-Muslim communities, where violent Islamophobia is increasingly taking hold.
“There is an agenda from the rightwing media, I’m talking about people like Tommy Robinson and Britain First,” he said. “They go to the scene of an attack and say this is about Islam. Why is that not radicalisation? When you tell white men that this is Islam, that in its definition is radicalisation. You are telling people to hate us, to go overboard and to attack us. It’s extremism on both ends.”
9.04am BST
09:04
Mobile phone footage taken by Mohammed Abdullah shows the man suspected of carrying out the attack being detained by police and onlookers against a police van.
Updated
at 9.05am BST
9.03am BST
09:03
Here are the main points from Dep Asst Comm Neil Basu’s press conference.
Dead man was not necessarily killed by attacker
The attack unfolded whilst the man was already receiving first aid from public at the scene. And sadly that man has died. Any causative link between his death and the attack will form part of our investigation. It is too early to state if his death was as a result of this attack.
Police are treating the attack as terror-related
No matter what the motivation for this attack proves to be we are keeping an open mind. This is being treated as a terrorist attack and the counter-terrorism command is investigating. This was an attack on London and all Londonders and we should all stand together against extremists whatever their cause.
Given the methodology and given what was occurring and what’s happened across the country this had all the hallmarks of a terrorist incident.
Victims were all Muslims
One man was pronounced dead at the scene. Eight others are in hospital and two more were treated at the scene. All the victims were from the Muslim community.
I do know at least two [of the injured] are very serious.
Suspect acted alone
Also at the scene, detained by members of that community, was the man suspected of being the driver during this attack. He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
[Interrogating the suspect has] not happened yet. That will obviously be a priority in the investigation. As soon as he is our custody and has been through our formal custody procedures he will be being interviewed.
At this early stage of the investigation no other suspect have been identified or reported to police and there were no reports any people having suffered any knife injuries.
There was nobody else in the van and it appears at this time that this attacker attacked alone. That is not to say that we are not investigating the full circumstances of how he can be where he was.
Police were on the scene as it unfolded
From 12.21am police received a number of calls to Seven Sisters Road following a van having collided with pedestrians. Officers were in the immediate vicinity at the time, actually as the attack unfolded and they responded instantly. Additional officers were on scene within 10 minutes.
Public restraint praised
I would like to praise the police officers who immediately response who gave life-saving treatment at the scene. But also very much those members of the public who assisted before and after this incident.
I would like to thank those people who helped police in detaining the man and worked with officers to calmly and quickly get him into our custody. There restraint in the circumstances is commendable.
He was very quickly and calmly given over to the police and put into custody. I think that was commendable by members of the community who must have been incredibly shaken, incredibly scared and incredibly angry. What it proves to me is that Londoners will act together to protect themselves, but they do so in a way that doesn’t feed into terrorist and extremist hands.
The van was not booby-trapped
The van used has been examined by specialist officers, but nothing that would cause a risk to the public was found within it.
Extra police have been deployed across London
Extra policing resources have been deployed across London in order to reassure communities, especially those of observing Ramadan at this very sensitive time. I would urge everyone to remain calm and vigilant. I ask the public with any information about this incident or anything that causes them concern or suspicion to call the police on 0800 789 321.
This has been an incredibly challenging time for London and the emergency services are stretched. Nevertheless we will all do absolutely everything we can, with our partners, to protect London and our city.
Now is the time for London to stand together to face those who seek to divide us.
Updated
at 9.09am BST
8.28am BST
08:28
“There was no one else in the van,” Basu says.
Updated
at 8.29am BST
8.27am BST
08:27
Basu says the attack comes at a “challenging” time and the emergency services are stretched. He praises the way the community tackled the suspected attacker.
The incident had all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack, Basu says.
8.25am BST
08:25
Driver arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, Scotland Yard says
Dep Asst Comm Neil Basu of the Metropolitan police, who is senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism policing, is giving a statement.
He says it is too early to tell whether the man who died at the scene was killed in the attack. Eight others were taken to hospital. Two were treated at the scene. All of the victims were Muslim.
The driver of the van has been arrested on suspicion of murder, Basu said.
Updated
at 8.41am BST
8.20am BST
08:20
Alice Ross
The streets around the junction of Fonthill Road and Seven Sisters Road are sealed off by a police cordon, and there is a heavy media presence.
Abdikadir Warfa, who was just around the corner and witnessed the immediate aftermath of the attack, said the vehicle used to plough through people near the Muslim Welfare House, said it appeared a white lorry with yellow markings was used. “I think it was rented,” he said.
“Everyone was lying on the street shouting, crying ‘help me’. I saw a man trying to run and everyone was trying to stop him,” he added. Four or five men were restraining him. “He was shouting something but I couldn’t hear.”
Several people pointed out that had the collision taken place minutes earlier it would have caused even more harm, as people were already dispersing after prayers.
A 22-year-old man, who asked not to be named, said he heard tyres screaming and saw the lorry “stuck on the barriers” where it had apparently swerved towards people. “People started screaming, saying we need help, call police, call an ambulance.”
He saw people lying on the pavement. “Their families were crying. A lady was crying and saying, my brother, my brother, he can’t breathe.”
People flagged down a police van that was passing along Seven Sisters Road and the eyewitness described how people handed over the suspected attacker. He showed videos filmed by his friends showing injured people lying in the street, one receiving CPR, and the suspect, a tall white man with dark hair wearing a black T-shirt, being put into the police van.
Updated
at 8.22am BST