Finsbury Park mosque attack: Man arrested over 'terror offences' as Cardiff property searched

Investigation: Armed police at the scene
Nigel Howard
Mark Chandler19 June 2017
WEST END FINAL

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Police investigating a van attack on Muslims outside a mosque announced they were searching a property in Cardiff as they confirmed a man arrested at the scene was suspected of terror offences.

One man, who had already collapsed before the attack, died after pedestrians were targeted by the driver of a van near Finsbury Park Mosque early on Monday.

Witnesses described hearing a man, who was detained by members of the public at the scene, shout: "I'm going to kill Muslims" and “I did my bit”.

The suspect, described as a large white man, was initially arrested by police on suspicion of attempted murder.

Suspect: A man was arrested at the scene

On Monday afternoon, police confirmed the 47-year-old was also being held on suspicion of “the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism including murder and attempted murder”.

Scotland Yard said searches were also being carried out at a property in Cardiff.

Police had already declared it was being treated as a terrorist incident shortly after the attack.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: "Our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Seven Sisters Road and their families, friends and communities.

"This is being treated as a terrorist incident and is being investigated by the Counter Terrorism Command.

“The investigation is ongoing and we are working fast to know the full details of how and why this took place.

"All the victims were from the Muslim community and we will be deploying extra police patrols to reassure the public, especially those observing Ramadan.

"We are working hard to protect all communities and the public will see additional officers patrolling across the city and at Muslim places of worship.

“This was an attack on London and all Londoners. We should all stand together against extremists whatever their cause."

Police believe the attacker acted alone but said they were investigating all circumstances leading up to the incident.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “We continue to review security across London, with a focus on all places of worship including mosques and Muslim community centres.

"Communities can expect to see more uniformed police officers at many of these places as reassurance, as they have seen in other crowded places.

“Local and senior police officers regularly meet with faith leaders and will continue to do so following this attack to hear local concerns and provide reassurance to communities.

“We are conscious there are a number of events planned across London and the rest of the UK and we continue to ensure that security plans are robust by working in partnership with all event organisers.”

Meanwhile, an imam at the mosque has described how he had to step in to stop the suspect being attacked by an angry crowd immediately after the attack.

Mohammed Mahmoud told reporters: "By God’s grace we managed 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.”

Anyone who has information should contact police on 0800 789321. People with images or footage from the incident should upload it at ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk

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