Eight arrests in police raids carried out in London and Birmingham after terror attack

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Eight arrests have been made in raids carried out by police overnight following the terror attack in Westminster which left four people dead.

Acting Deputy Commissioner and Head of Counter Terrorism Mark Rowley revealed that six addresses were raided in London, Birmingham and other parts of the UK.

Armed police stormed a second-floor flat above a row of shops in Birmingham at about 11pm on Wednesday night in connection with the attack.

A neighbour, who lived nearby, said: "The man from London lived here."

He added: "They came and arrested three men."

Raid: A police officer stands guard outside an address in Hagley Road, Birmingham
PA

The Metropolitan Police initially refused to say whether the raid in Hagley Road was connected with Wednesday's attack in Westminster.

One of the flat's windows was covered in cardboard, with non-uniformed officers spotted taking pieces of equipment into the property.

As he was describing the events to a reporter at the scene, the witness was interrupted by a police officer, who had been guarding the scene.

He had his details taken and was convinced to go to a police station with another officer.

A police officer stands guard outside the flat in Birmingham
PA

BBC Newsnight reported that the vehicle used in the attack could have been rented from the same road where the raid took place.

Speaking outside New Scotland Yard on Thursday morning, Mr Rowley, the Met's senior anti-terror officer, said he had no “specific information” about further threats to the public.

"We believe this attacker acted alone and was inspired by international terrorism," he said.

"Clearly our investigation is ongoing - developing all the time - and is focused on his motivation, his preparation and associates."

Acting Deputy Commissioner and Head of Counter Terrorism Mark Rowley speaks outside New Scotland Yard
Jonathan Brady/PA

He said that 29 people had been treated in hospital. Seven were still critically injured.

Mr Rowley added that although the “large and complicated” crime scene remained in place on Thursday morning it would still be “business as normal” for London today.

“We have cancelled some leave and increased some duty hours and are working to make sure that we can be out in force to reassure the public,” he revealed.

“We must not allow terrorism to sow discord, distrust and fear in our city.”

Four people including police officer Keith Palmer were killed in the terror attack on Westminster on Wednesday afternoon.

Around 40 people were injured as a car mowed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge while terrified tourists ran for their lives.

The knifeman then stabbed a policeman before being shot dead by armed officers near the Houses of Parliament.

The policeman was named on Wednesday evening as Keith Palmer, a 48-year-old husband and father, who was a member of the Diplomatic Protection Service.

Spanish teacher Aysha Fade, who has two young children, was also among those killed.

On Thursday morning senior officers and other staff held a minute's silence at Scotland Yard's Eternal Flame, created in memory of all Met officers who have lost their lives in the of duty.

Parliament will put reconvene as MPs attempt to go about their daily duties less than 24 hours after the attack. A minute's silence was also held in the Commons before tributes were to be paid.

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