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Finsbury Park terror attack: Theresa May heckled at mosque – latest updates | |
(35 minutes later) | |
2.50pm BST | |
14:50 | |
Imam 'protected attacker from mob' | |
Imam Mohammed Mahmoud has described how he protected the attacker from an angry mob, after he was pinned down at the scene. | |
Speaking to reporters he said: | |
We arrived at the scene within minutes and we found the assailant on the floor. He had been restrained by around three people. We found a group of people quickly started to collect around the assailant. And some tried to hit him, either kicks or punches. By God’s grace we manage to surround him and to protect him from any harm. We stopped all forms of attack and abuse towards him that were coming from every angle. | |
A police van drove past so we flagged them down we told them the situation. There’s a man he’s restrained. He mowed down a group of people and there’s a mob attempting to hurt him. | |
Mahmoud, who is Iman at the Muslim Welfare Centre, said the attacker was unharmed by the crowd. He added: “We pushed the people back. He didn’t say a word. It wasn’t me alone. There was a group of brothers. | |
“He seemed calmed. I just heard he said ‘I did my bit’. It is a tragic and barbaric terrorist attack.” | |
Updated | |
at 2.51pm BST | |
2.28pm BST | |
14:28 | |
May heckled as she left mosque | |
Theresa May was heckled as she left Finsbury Park mosque without answering questions from reporters pic.twitter.com/wmZVlVYK1w | |
As Theresa May left the Finsbury Park mosque she was heckled by a man standing among the media scrum who shouted: “Mrs May - how can you be so quicktoday?” | |
He added: “Mrs May, have you had a faster taxi?” in reference to her perceived slowness to meet the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire last week. | |
A small crowd of protesters from Islington Stand Up To Racism alsochanted at her from over the road. | |
Updated | |
at 2.41pm BST | |
2.23pm BST | |
14:23 | |
Met pledges extra police protection for Muslim communities | |
The Met commissioner Cressida Dick has promised extra protection for Muslim communities in the coming days. | |
Speaking at the scene, she said: “This was quite clearly an attack on Muslims who looked like they were probably Muslims and they were coming from a prayer meeting. | |
“We treat this as a terrorist attack. We in the Met are as shocked as anybody in this local community or across the country. We take all kinds of hate crime or violent extremism incredibly serious and wherever we possibly can, prevent attacks. And if we cannot prevent an attack then we will seek, obviously, to bring people to justice. | |
“This is as, her majesty said, a sombre time and last night has added to that sombreness. | |
“But in relation to the Met it does nothing other than strengthen our resolve to get our there, prevent attacks and protect our communities. And the people in Muslim communities attending prayers will see their police protecting them in the coming days and nights.” | |
Dick added: | |
This is a highly integrated, truly diverse and multicultural place. The relationships between the police and community here are very important to us, and are mostly very good indeed. | |
I’ve just come from a meeting of people of 20 faiths all from the local communities, who are saying, as I say, ‘the people who perpetrate attacks like this think they will not break our society down and cause division between us, and they won’t do that and they won’t win’. | |
This is very resilient city and very, very resilient set of communities. | |
My police officers responded here within a minute and we had a large presence within 10 minutes. We have also responded to other attacks over the last few weeks and we are still working very hard in relation to the recovery from the horrible events at Grenfell Tower. | |
Updated | |
at 2.43pm BST | |
2.05pm BST | 2.05pm BST |
14:05 | 14:05 |
Senior Labour MP Diane Abbott and Met commissioner Cressida Dick were among several prominent figures seen joining an interfaith meeting at Finsbury Park mosque. | Senior Labour MP Diane Abbott and Met commissioner Cressida Dick were among several prominent figures seen joining an interfaith meeting at Finsbury Park mosque. |
Earlier Theresa May was seen at the meeting with religious leaders (see earlier). | Earlier Theresa May was seen at the meeting with religious leaders (see earlier). |
Jeremy Corbyn was not visible at the meeting. He may have continued upstairs to join the mosque’s congregation in their afternoon prayer. | Jeremy Corbyn was not visible at the meeting. He may have continued upstairs to join the mosque’s congregation in their afternoon prayer. |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.09pm BST | at 2.09pm BST |
1.54pm BST | 1.54pm BST |
13:54 | 13:54 |
Attacker not known to security services | Attacker not known to security services |
The suspect in the attack was not known to the security services, according to security minister Ben Wallace. | The suspect in the attack was not known to the security services, according to security minister Ben Wallace. |
“This man was not known to the authorities in the space of extremism or far-right extremism and he clearly took advantage of a simple weapon, a vehicle, to make an attack on people going about their business,” Wallace told Sky News. | “This man was not known to the authorities in the space of extremism or far-right extremism and he clearly took advantage of a simple weapon, a vehicle, to make an attack on people going about their business,” Wallace told Sky News. |
He added: “There are no ifs no buts, this is a terrorist attack in the same way the bomber of Manchester blew up many people only recently. This is a pure terrorist attack designed to inflict terror and fear and also hurt people in some twisted cause.” | He added: “There are no ifs no buts, this is a terrorist attack in the same way the bomber of Manchester blew up many people only recently. This is a pure terrorist attack designed to inflict terror and fear and also hurt people in some twisted cause.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.03pm BST | at 2.03pm BST |
1.49pm BST | 1.49pm BST |
13:49 | 13:49 |
Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, has tweeted her “love and prayers” to the victims of the Finsbury Park attack. | Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, has tweeted her “love and prayers” to the victims of the Finsbury Park attack. |
She added: “We must stand united against hatred and extremism in all its ugly forms.” Nothing yet from her father. | She added: “We must stand united against hatred and extremism in all its ugly forms.” Nothing yet from her father. |
Sending love and prayers to the victims in #FinsburyPark London. We must stand united against hatred and extremism in all it's ugly forms. | Sending love and prayers to the victims in #FinsburyPark London. We must stand united against hatred and extremism in all it's ugly forms. |
1.46pm BST | 1.46pm BST |
13:46 | 13:46 |
Politicians are flocking to Finsbury Park. | Politicians are flocking to Finsbury Park. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.50pm BST | at 1.50pm BST |
1.39pm BST | 1.39pm BST |
13:39 | 13:39 |
Damien Gayle | Damien Gayle |
Jeremy Corbyn has just arrived at Finsbury Park mosque accompanied by Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy. The labour leader walked past a scrum of reporters and passersby to enter by the men’s entrance. He did not say anything, but a passerby was heard shouting: “I love you!” A second man shouted: “All Muslims love you.” | Jeremy Corbyn has just arrived at Finsbury Park mosque accompanied by Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy. The labour leader walked past a scrum of reporters and passersby to enter by the men’s entrance. He did not say anything, but a passerby was heard shouting: “I love you!” A second man shouted: “All Muslims love you.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.57pm BST | at 1.57pm BST |
1.35pm BST | 1.35pm BST |
13:35 | 13:35 |
The number of people being treated in hospital after the attack now stands at seven, down from eight this morning. | The number of people being treated in hospital after the attack now stands at seven, down from eight this morning. |
In an update NHS England said: “A total of seven patients are currently being treated in London hospitals. The three hospitals who have received patients are the Royal London, Whittington, and St Mary’s. The London Ambulance Service treated two and discharged at the scene.” | In an update NHS England said: “A total of seven patients are currently being treated in London hospitals. The three hospitals who have received patients are the Royal London, Whittington, and St Mary’s. The London Ambulance Service treated two and discharged at the scene.” |
It does not say whether any of the wounded are in critical care. Earlier police said two people were seriously injured. | It does not say whether any of the wounded are in critical care. Earlier police said two people were seriously injured. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.49pm BST | at 1.49pm BST |
1.27pm BST | 1.27pm BST |
13:27 | 13:27 |
May has met religious leaders of many faiths at the Finsbury Park Mosque, including Mohammed Kozbar, chair of the mosque. | May has met religious leaders of many faiths at the Finsbury Park Mosque, including Mohammed Kozbar, chair of the mosque. |
#Shomrim President, Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE, at the #FinsburyPark Mosque with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May. #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/6zZEdJlJN8 | #Shomrim President, Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE, at the #FinsburyPark Mosque with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May. #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/6zZEdJlJN8 |
Her visit to the scene and, her willingness to talk to people affected, is notably faster than her response to the Grenfell Tower fire last week. | Her visit to the scene and, her willingness to talk to people affected, is notably faster than her response to the Grenfell Tower fire last week. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.30pm BST | at 1.30pm BST |
1.19pm BST | 1.19pm BST |
13:19 | 13:19 |
Here’s the full text of Theresa May’s Downing Street statement. | Here’s the full text of Theresa May’s Downing Street statement. |
It ends: | It ends: |
Today’s attack falls at a difficult time in the life of this city, following on from the attack on London Bridge 2 weeks ago – and of course the unimaginable tragedy of Grenfell Tower last week, on which I will chair another meeting of Ministers and officials later today. | Today’s attack falls at a difficult time in the life of this city, following on from the attack on London Bridge 2 weeks ago – and of course the unimaginable tragedy of Grenfell Tower last week, on which I will chair another meeting of Ministers and officials later today. |
But what we have seen throughout – whether in the heroism of the ordinary citizens who fought off the attackers at London Bridge; the unbreakable resolve of the residents in Kensington; or this morning the spirit of the community that apprehended this attacker – is that this is an extraordinary city of extraordinary people. | But what we have seen throughout – whether in the heroism of the ordinary citizens who fought off the attackers at London Bridge; the unbreakable resolve of the residents in Kensington; or this morning the spirit of the community that apprehended this attacker – is that this is an extraordinary city of extraordinary people. |
It is home to a multitude of communities that together make London one of the greatest cities on earth. | It is home to a multitude of communities that together make London one of the greatest cities on earth. |
Diverse, welcoming, vibrant, compassionate, confident and determined never to give in to hate. | Diverse, welcoming, vibrant, compassionate, confident and determined never to give in to hate. |
These are the values that define this city. | These are the values that define this city. |
These are the values that define this country. | These are the values that define this country. |
These are the values that this government will uphold. | These are the values that this government will uphold. |
These are the values that will prevail. | These are the values that will prevail. |
Here’s our report: | Here’s our report: |
1.17pm BST | 1.17pm BST |
13:17 | 13:17 |
There’s a lot of politicians on the scene. | There’s a lot of politicians on the scene. |
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has arrived at the #FinsburyParkattack scene. Headed towards mosque with Corbyn. pic.twitter.com/ZKJ7d7eYox | London Mayor Sadiq Khan has arrived at the #FinsburyParkattack scene. Headed towards mosque with Corbyn. pic.twitter.com/ZKJ7d7eYox |
1.15pm BST | 1.15pm BST |
13:15 | 13:15 |
Theresa May arrives at the scene | Theresa May arrives at the scene |
Theresa May has arrived at the scene. Eve Hartley of Huff Post UK has this video of the PM’s arrival. | Theresa May has arrived at the scene. Eve Hartley of Huff Post UK has this video of the PM’s arrival. |
The PM Theresa May has arrived at #FinsburyPark mosque. pic.twitter.com/YpFTyJDXIf | The PM Theresa May has arrived at #FinsburyPark mosque. pic.twitter.com/YpFTyJDXIf |
1.11pm BST | 1.11pm BST |
13:11 | 13:11 |
London Ambulance has confirmed that eight people were taken to three London hospitals after being injured in the attack. Others were treated at the scene for minor injuries, it said. | London Ambulance has confirmed that eight people were taken to three London hospitals after being injured in the attack. Others were treated at the scene for minor injuries, it said. |
The first of 60 paramedics arrived within 14 minutes of the first emergency call, according to Peter McKenna, deputy director of operations. | The first of 60 paramedics arrived within 14 minutes of the first emergency call, according to Peter McKenna, deputy director of operations. |
Latest statement: Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the incident in #FinsburyPark earlier today https://t.co/oL75V7ZUWD pic.twitter.com/mm6563MLot | Latest statement: Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the incident in #FinsburyPark earlier today https://t.co/oL75V7ZUWD pic.twitter.com/mm6563MLot |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.22pm BST | at 1.22pm BST |
12.48pm BST | 12.48pm BST |
12:48 | 12:48 |
Mohammed Kozbar, the chairman of the nearby Finsbury Park mosque, has given a statement at the scene flanked by other religious leaders from the Islington faith forum and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. | Mohammed Kozbar, the chairman of the nearby Finsbury Park mosque, has given a statement at the scene flanked by other religious leaders from the Islington faith forum and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. |
Pointing out that members of different faith communities gathered at Muslim Welfare House on Saturday to remember the murdered MP Jo Cox, he said: “To honour and celebrate her affirmation that we all have more in common than we have things which differentiate us.” | Pointing out that members of different faith communities gathered at Muslim Welfare House on Saturday to remember the murdered MP Jo Cox, he said: “To honour and celebrate her affirmation that we all have more in common than we have things which differentiate us.” |
He added: “Less than 48 hours later the same area experienced a terrorist attack, aimed at killing Muslim returning home after their Ramadan prayers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the person who died and with all those injured and traumatised by this event. An attack on one faith is an attack on all faith and communities. | He added: “Less than 48 hours later the same area experienced a terrorist attack, aimed at killing Muslim returning home after their Ramadan prayers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the person who died and with all those injured and traumatised by this event. An attack on one faith is an attack on all faith and communities. |
Those who try to divide us and who aim to spread fear, hatred and division will not succeed … May we stand together in these challenging times.” | Those who try to divide us and who aim to spread fear, hatred and division will not succeed … May we stand together in these challenging times.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.21pm BST | at 1.21pm BST |
12.35pm BST | 12.35pm BST |
12:35 | 12:35 |
The van hire company whose vehicle was involved in the attack has issued a statement. It said: | The van hire company whose vehicle was involved in the attack has issued a statement. It said: |
We at Pontyclun Van Hire are shocked and saddened by the incident that took place at Finsbury Park last night. We are cooperating fully with the Metropolitan police and our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this cowardly attack. | We at Pontyclun Van Hire are shocked and saddened by the incident that took place at Finsbury Park last night. We are cooperating fully with the Metropolitan police and our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this cowardly attack. |
We will not be making any further statement because of the ongoing police investigation but will continue to assist the police in any way we can. | We will not be making any further statement because of the ongoing police investigation but will continue to assist the police in any way we can. |
Updated | Updated |
at 12.47pm BST | at 12.47pm BST |
12.32pm BST | 12.32pm BST |
12:32 | 12:32 |
What we know so far | What we know so far |
Police have confirmed they are investigating a terror attack in London after a van ploughed into people near a north London mosque, leaving one person dead and injuring eight others. A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and two of those hit by the van were said to be “very seriously injured”. | Police have confirmed they are investigating a terror attack in London after a van ploughed into people near a north London mosque, leaving one person dead and injuring eight others. A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and two of those hit by the van were said to be “very seriously injured”. |
Witnesses said the driver had shouted: “I want to kill all Muslims” before onlookers pinned him to the ground. The suspect was protected by a local imam after being pinned down by members of the Muslim community. | Witnesses said the driver had shouted: “I want to kill all Muslims” before onlookers pinned him to the ground. The suspect was protected by a local imam after being pinned down by members of the Muslim community. |
Theresa May has vowed that “hatred and evil” of the kind seen in the attack on a north London mosque will never succeed. May said that the attack on Muslims was “every bit as insidious and destructive to our values and our way of life” as the recent string of terror attacks apparently motivated by Islamist extremism. | Theresa May has vowed that “hatred and evil” of the kind seen in the attack on a north London mosque will never succeed. May said that the attack on Muslims was “every bit as insidious and destructive to our values and our way of life” as the recent string of terror attacks apparently motivated by Islamist extremism. |
The Labour leader and local MP, Jeremy Corbyn, spent much of the early morning at Muslim Welfare House, where the attack took place. He said: “I see it this is a terror on the streets … in the communities … We have to all reach out and feel their pain and their stress.” | The Labour leader and local MP, Jeremy Corbyn, spent much of the early morning at Muslim Welfare House, where the attack took place. He said: “I see it this is a terror on the streets … in the communities … We have to all reach out and feel their pain and their stress.” |
Police said it was too early to state if the man who died at the scene was killed in the attack. He was being helped when the van ploughed into pedestrians. All of the victims of the attack, including two who are in a critical condition, are from the Muslim community. | Police said it was too early to state if the man who died at the scene was killed in the attack. He was being helped when the van ploughed into pedestrians. All of the victims of the attack, including two who are in a critical condition, are from the Muslim community. |
The suspected attacker, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, waved to the crowd as he was led away. The van involved in the attack is marked with the livery of the hire company, which is based on an industrial estate close to the M4 12 miles west of Cardiff. | The suspected attacker, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, waved to the crowd as he was led away. The van involved in the attack is marked with the livery of the hire company, which is based on an industrial estate close to the M4 12 miles west of Cardiff. |
White supremacists have celebrated the attack, according to the US extremist monitoring group Site. It also said pro-Islamic State channels were using reports of the incident to incite Muslims. | White supremacists have celebrated the attack, according to the US extremist monitoring group Site. It also said pro-Islamic State channels were using reports of the incident to incite Muslims. |
Muslim leaders have reacted with shock, condemnation and calls for security at mosques to be stepped up. Many also said the backdrop of the attack was rising Islamophobia. Support also came from Christian, Jewish and Sikh leaders. | Muslim leaders have reacted with shock, condemnation and calls for security at mosques to be stepped up. Many also said the backdrop of the attack was rising Islamophobia. Support also came from Christian, Jewish and Sikh leaders. |
Updated | Updated |
at 12.50pm BST | at 12.50pm BST |