Finsbury Park Mosque attack latest: Theresa May vows hatred and evil will never succeed as Labour warns of rise in Islamophobia

Theresa May has vowed that "hatred and evil" of the kind seen in the terror attack on a north London mosque that left one man dead and injured eight others will never succeed, as police promised to provide extra patrols during Ramadan.

She made her pledge as more details emerged about the suspect in the Finsbury Park attack in which a van was rammed into worshippers helping an elderly man who had collapsed on the pavement in the early hours.

Markram Ali, who was already receiving first aid, having collapsed just prior to the incident, died at the scene, while eight others were seriously injured.

The attacker has been named locally as father-of-four Darren Osborne, 47, a father of four from Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset.

The suspect, who appears to have a black eye, being arrested at the scene in Finsbury Park
The suspect, who appears to have a black eye, being arrested at the scene in Finsbury Park Credit: Sky News

He reportedly turned against Muslims following the London Bridge attack.

Friends said Osborne had grown up in North Somerset but moved to Cardiff where he lived with his partner and children.

His Muslim neighbours said he had been friendly, but his attitude had changed in recent weeks.

He is alleged to have hurled insults at an Asian neighbour's 12-year-old son, in the wake of the Islamist attack in the capital earlier this month.

Osborne was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning after driving a hire van into a crowd of men leaving a mosque in the Finsbury Park area of north London, almost 160 miles from his home.

Witnesses who dragged him from the vehicle claimed he told them: "I want to kill Muslims...you deserve it...I did my bit."

Mohammed Mahmoud, the Imam of the mosque who persuaded the mob to hand him over to the police, was hailed a hero.

After a meeting with security officials and ministers in the Government's Cobra emergency committee, the Prime Minister confirmed that police believe the attacker who drove into people near Finsbury Park Mosque had acted alone.

Mrs May, who later met community leaders on a visit to the mosque, condemned the attack as "every bit as sickening" as other recent terrorist outrages.

She promised Muslim communities and mosques would be given additional police protection.

She praised the "bravery" of members of the public who detained the van driver - described by witnesses as a large white man - before police arrived at about 12.20am.

Meanwhile Sajid Javid, the Local Government Secretary, also visited the scene and comforted a crying woman, urging her to "stay strong" in the wake of the attack.

"This Government will always take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime – including anti-Muslim hate crime – wherever we find it,” he said.

Eight people were taken to hospital and two more were treated for minor injuries outside the Muslim Welfare House, yards from Finsbury Park mosque. Police said all the casualties were Muslims.

A police forensics officer examines the interior of a van
A police forensics officer examines the interior of the van Credit: Carl Court/Getty

Scotland Yard said extra officers will patrol Muslim places of worship as it pledged to continue to "assess the security needs of mosques".

Video shows a scene of chaos as people tried to help the injured. One man could be seen giving CPR to a victim in the street while another man's head injury was treated with a makeshift dressing.

People could be heard shouting and screaming amid the chaos and bloodstains were visible on the pavement. In one video, a group of men are seen holding the suspect to the ground as they call for the police.

Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Neil Basu thanked members of the public for restraining the suspect as he said the attack had "all the hallmarks of terrorism".

                                                                                                    

'A mixed and tolerant community that has been left appalled' 

The Finsbury Park area has come together after the attack, reinforcing the area's reputaion for tolerance. Anita Singh reports:

The message that summed up the community spirit in Finsbury Park Credit: AFP

By the police cordon on Seven Sisters Road, a woman stood with a homemade placard. Alison, pictured, a resident, had heard about the attack early in the morning and hastily made the sign before heading to the scene.

“Leave Our Muslim Neighbours Alone,” it said on the front. On the back: “This is not a war. It’s just a few deranged individuals acting out their demented macho fantasies. They are not with us. We love our mixed community.”

It’s a message that sums up the community spirit in Finsbury Park. The streets may be shabbier than those a mile away in Islington – where Jeremy Corbyn lives – but people are proud to live in an area known for its tolerance.

Read the full report.

Media reaction

Here's a snapshot of  how the newspapers covered the attack.

Finsbury Park suspect known for 'flipping his lid' 

The father-of-four suspected of mowing down a group of worshippers outside a London mosque was a "complex" and "troubled" individual known for “flipping his lid” when he drank too much, it has been claimed.

He was recognised on television by stunned Welsh neighbours more used to seeing him on the school run, who rang the police to identify him.

They later described him as "shouty" and "aggressive" but said they were gobsmacked to learn that he was a terror suspect.

read more here

Amir Khan makes plea for unity 

The boxer Amir Khan has added his voice to those appealing for unity.

He had voiced fears about revenge attacks following the terrorist atrocities in London and Manchester.

'That could be me one day walking my daughter down the street and someone comes with a car and runs me over because I'm a Muslim," he told Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.

Boxer Amir Khan Credit: Victoria Jones/PA

'So I think that we are going through a very tough time at the moment and we all just have to stick together as this is only going to get worse as people are thinking like that."

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick joins Finsbury Park vigil

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has joined a vigil held in the wake of the  suspected terror attack.

A vigil held outside Finsbury Park Mosque, just a stone's throw from the place where the incident unfolded at around 12.20am, saw the surrounding streets on Monday evening engulfed by people wishing to show their support.

Cressida Dick attends a vigil outside Finsbury Park Mosque. Credit: Isabel Infantes/AFP

Following a meeting with the chairman of the mosque, Mohammed Kozbar, Ms Dick stood with him to observe a short silence, and as he addressed the large crowd which had gathered, he praised the "great response" from the community.

The vigil drew representatives of  other faiths.

Rabbi Herschel Gluck said the incident hurt and was an attack on "every single Muslim in the UK and beyond".

"But really an attack on the Muslim community is an attack on every single citizen in Great Britain, because we are one nation, under one god, living together, working together, co-operating together in this country.

How the Finsbury Park Mosque attack unfolded 

Martin Evans, Anita Singh and Lyndsey Telford have  put together a detailed reconstruction of how the attack on worshippers at the Finsbury Park Mosque unfolded.

A small group of men were heading home to the nearby Andover Estate when 52-year-old Markram Ali collapsed.

His friends rushed to his aid and within minutes were the targets of the Britain's latest terrorist outrage.

Read more here

US condemns mosque attack

The United States says it "strongly condemns" an attack near a mosque in London and that the attack appears to have targeted Muslim worshippers.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says the U.S. stands with the U.K. and is ready to provide any help that British officials would find helpful. She's calling the incident a "terrorist attack."

A large white van driven by a man identified as 47-year-old Darren Osborne apparently swerved into a group of Muslims who were leaving evening prayers early Monday. At least nine people were injured.

Nauert says the U.S. is extending sympathy to the families and communities of the victims and hopes the wounded recover quickly.

She says the U.S. commends the first responders and the bystanders for their courage in apprehending the attacker until police arrived.

The State Department says the U.S. and the U.K. remain committed to fighting "the plague of terrorism."

Sharp rise in Islamophobic attacks warns Yvette Cooper 

Islamophobic attacks have risen by two-thirds, warned Yvette Cooper, the former shadow Home Secretary.

Yvette Cooper Credit: Clara Molden/The Telegraph

Speaking on Sky News she said there had been an increase in Islamophobia all over the country.

"We have to do more to challenge Islamophobia, we have had reports of Islamophobia in schools."

Ms Cooper, who chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee in the last Parliament warned of the spread of Islamophobia on social media and urged companies, such as YouTube, to do more to police their content.

Andy Burnham reassures Manchester's Muslim community

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the horrific events in London in the early hours of this morning.

“I understand that our communities across Greater Manchester, particularly our Muslim communities, will be concerned and deeply affected by what’s happened in London. I want to thank Greater Manchester Police for taking swift action to provide reassurance to our communities that everything is being done to keep them safe.  

“Greater Manchester has shown its strength of spirit, compassion and unity in the last few weeks and we continue to stand together with London and everyone affected by these atrocities. We will continue to work closely with our faith and community leaders and urge anyone with any concerns to speak to their local police officers.”

Manchester police say they will increase police presence around places of worship

Police officers have said they will be increasing their patrols around places of worship in Manchester. 

In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, said: “First and foremost I want to extend my most sincere condolences to all those affected by the horrific events in London this morning; our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

“Although there is no specific intelligence to suggest that any places of worship will be at greater risk than other areas where large numbers of people gather, there will be an increase in police patrols close to places of worship in Greater Manchester and we will continue to work with all our communities to reassure them and provide them with security advice and support.

“We will also have a significant policing plan in place ahead of the weekend so that people can enjoy the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in a safe and good spirited environment. 

“We are proud to have a diverse population in Greater Manchester, with different faiths and cultures that stand together. ”

Officers searching suspect's home

Police were tonight searching the suburban home of Darren Osborne, 47, for clues to his attack. Osborne - who grew up in the seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, before moving to Pentwyn, Cardiff - is believed to have hired the van for £80-a-day.

Police swooped on Osborne's terraced home in Glyn Rhosyn, Pentwyn, where neighbours were stunned by the attack. Neighbours told of their shock after seeing pictures of Osborne being arrested by police.

Dave Ashford, 52, said: "Someone called me and said it was him and I said 'It can't be'. Then I saw the picture on the news and said 'S***, it's him'."

Pauline Tibbs, 48, said: "The police have been back and forwarth here all day. It's a terrible shock. "I've seen him walking in the street but never spoken to him. He seemed normal enough."

He has lived here a couple of years and kept himself to himself." Another neighbour said: "He had lived on the estate for a few years...this is really surprising."

And another man who lived near Osborne's home said: "I arrived home from work to find the street crawling with police - it's a complete shock."

Osborne is believed to have hired the van from Pontyclun Van Hire, 15 miles away from his home in the Welsh capital.

Suspect named locally as Darren Osborne

The attacker has been named locally as father-of-four Darren Osborne, from Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset, the Daily Mirror reported.

Friends said Osborne had grown up in North Somerset but currently lived in Cardiff with his partner and children.

Police have reportedly been conducting searches on properties in the Cardiff area.

A recent history of terror attacks involving vehicles

As a major investigation continues into the Finsbury Park terror attack, here's a reminder of some of the recent terror attacks involving vehicles.

East London Mosque receives telephone threat

East London Mosque has revealed that it received a telephone threat this afternoon. While it believes it to be a hoax, it shows the high alert the Muslim community is under.

'We shall not be divided': Floral tributes left at scene

Outside one section of the police cordon, flowers have been piled on a doorstep with written tributes.

"This is an attack on all Londoners - and on my community," one said. "Let us be united in grief and anger, my thoughts are with you all."

Another card read: "I was so sorry to hear the news this morning. #NotInMyName"

Floral tributes left to the victims of the attack Credit: KEVIN COOMBS/Reuters
A police officer helps a woman leave flowers near the scene  Credit: HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS
A woman lays flowers in tribute outside Finsbury Park Mosque Credit: TOLGA AKMEN/AFP

Theresa May 'sees strength of community' as she meets faith leaders

After meeting faith leaders at the Finsbury Park Mosque, Theresa May emerged - with representatives of different religions at her side - to talk to reporters.

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Theresa May and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick with faith leaders at Finsbury Park mosque Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA

She said:

"The terrible terrorist attack which took place last night was an evil borne out of hatred and it has devastated a community.

"I am pleased to have been here today to see the strength of that community coming together, all faiths united in one desire to see extremism and hatred of all sorts driven out of our society.

"There is no place for this hatred in our country today and we need to work together as one society, one community, to drive it out, this evil which is affecting so many families."

Theresa May leaving Finsbury Park mosque on Monday afternoon Credit: Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Cressida Dick: 'This was quite clearly an attack on Muslims

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the Finsbury Park incident was "quite clearly an attack on Muslims".

Sadiq Khan: 'Terrorism is terrorism... the intention is the same'

Asked at the scene if Islamophobic terrorism has been underestimated, London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "Terrorism is terrorism.

"It doesn't matter whether you are inspired by a perverse version of Islam or whether you are inspired by other motives to terrorise others.

"The intention is the same, to divide communities, to make us stop leading the lives that we do."

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 He said there has been a "spike in hate crime", in particular Islamophobic hate crime, after the London Bridge attack.

Commissioner says it was an 'attack on Muslims' 

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the Finsbury Park incident  was "quite clearly an attack on Muslims":

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Ivanka Trump: We must stand united against hatred and extremism

Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Donald, is among those to post about the Finsbury Park attack on Twitter:

Finsbury Park suspect was not known to security services, minister reveals

The Finsbury Park attack suspect was not known to the security services, security minister Ben Wallace has revealed.

Brendan Cox calls on public to 'take on hatred'

Responding to the Finsbury Park terror attack, Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, calls on individuals to "take on hatred" in their communities:

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Theresa May visits Finsbury Park mosque to meet community leaders

After making her statement in Downing Street, Theresa May has been pictured arriving at Finsbury Park to meet community leaders.

Arriving at Finsbury Park Mosque shortly after 1pm, she sat with representatives from a variety of faiths.

One Muslim man told her the centre had become a place which transcended religion and was used by the whole community.

"It is a sad moment to meet you in these circumstances," he said. The man added that mosques had played a "huge" role in helping tackle extremism in the area.

Theresa May arrives at Finsbury Park mosque on Friday afternoon Credit: Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph

She will have been keen to visit the area as soon as possible after the attack, following widespread criticism of a visit to Grenfell Tower last week in which she did not meet victims.

NHS confirms seven people are being treated at three hospitals

NHS England has just updated on us on those injured in the attack - a spokesman said seven people are being treated at three hospitals - the Royal London, Whittington, and St Mary's.

'Muslims are our neighbours and I want them to know they're not alone'

One local resident, Alison, came to the scene this morning with this placard, reports Anita Singh.

"I've lived here for about 37 years and it's always been lovely because it's so mixed. That's one of the things we love about it," she said.

"My kids grew up here. It's a real boon having them grow up in a neighbourhood like this.

"Communities change slightly over time but it is a supportive community, that's how we want it to stay and we want everyone to feel welcome. Muslims are our neighbours and I want them to know they're not alone." 

Council leader: We will not be divided by any terrorist

Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: "This is a horrifying and appalling attack, which police are treating as terrorism. Terrorist attacks seek to divide us and sow hatred.

"Finsbury Park is a diverse and open community and our mosques are a vital part of that community. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community and will continue to stand together and support each other.

"Islington is a vibrant and unified borough; this is our community and we will not be divided by any terrorist."

Shocked after van used in Finsbury Park attack hired from Welsh village

The firm believed to have hired out the van used in the attack near the Finsbury Park Mosque have said they are "shocked and saddened".

Photographs of the white van involved in the incident in north London, which is being treated as terrorism, feature logos of Pontyclun Van Hire.

Staff at the firm, near the village of Pontyclun in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, said they were co-operating fully with police.

In a statement handed to media outside the company, they said: "We at Pontyclun Van Hire are shocked and saddened by the incident that took place at Finsbury Park last night.

"We are co-operating fully with the Metropolitan Police investigation 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."

Pontyclun Van Hire in South Wales Credit: Matthew Horwood/Getty

Police were present at the premises, which is open seven days a week, throughout Monday.

Villagers from Pontyclun spoke of their shock at the apparent local connection.

Shop worker Helen Edwards said: "It was a shock to see the van was from Pontyclun, it brings it close to home. When it's so close to home it's even scarier."

Hannah Jenkins, 23, from Talbot Green, who works in the Spar shop in Pontyclun, described it as a close-knit community.

"I think everyone is in shock. This is a small village in Wales and you don't expect something like this here," she said.

Police outside Pontyclun Van Hire, in Pontyclun Credit: Claire Hayhurst/PA

Christine Batchelor, a volunteer at Pontyclun Community Centre, said: "Pontyclun is such a little place that you never expect it to be connected to anything like this.

"We are a part of the community and have had a meeting here today. It was a complete shock for everyone to hear this."

Diane Cooper, who also lives in the village, said: "You see these awful events in London and Manchester and you don't think there's going to be a connection with a place like Pontyclun.

"I've lived here over 50 years and it's not the sort of place that you feel nervous in. It's a lovely, quiet village, and it was a shock on the television to see that van came from Pontyclun."

British Red Cross sends volunteers to help those affected by attack

The British Red Cross said it had been supporting friends and relatives of those affected by the attack.

Mike Adamson , the aid charity's chief executive, said: "The British Red Cross was asked by the Metropolitan Police to provide support today at an information centre, where we sent volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to family and friends of those affected by the attack.

"We are also aware that people will want to know how they can help and show their unity with one another at this time.

"Donations are welcome to the UK Solidarity Fund which we launched earlier this month for victims of terror attacks in the UK, and which we will be making available to support those who have been affected by this latest horrific incident."

Jeremy Corbyn hails emergency services for 'timely response' to 'terror on the streets'

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has described the attack in his own constituency as "terror on the streets".

Mr Corbyn, who lives close to the scene, said he became aware of the incident very quickly as police responded early on Monday.

The Leader of the Opposition praised the emergency services for their "very quick and very timely" response after the driver was arrested at the scene.

Asked if the suspected terrorist attack was being treated as seriously as others, he said:

"I'm treating it absolutely as seriously as any other attack. This was a van driven into a crowd of people who were tending a man who was already injured and they were coming home from night-time prayers in the mosque.

"It's Ramadan and it's perfectly normal, and eight people have been injured, some of them I understand extremely seriously, and, as I see it, this is a terror on the streets and it's a terror of the people on the streets, in the communities I'm very proud to represent in Parliament, and that's why I'm here today."

Mr Corbyn said that, while he had not spoken to the Prime Minister directly, their offices had been in touch, and Theresa May "expressed her condolences for the death and also concerns about what happened last night".

He has also spoken to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and said it was important to make sure the response was "sufficient and co-ordinated" and to provide "reassurance" to the community.

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Mr Corbyn, who has represented the constituency of Islington North since 1983, said he felt the community's "pain" and "stress".

"An attack on a mosque, an attack on a synagogue, an attack on a church is actually an attack on all of us. We have to protect each others' faith, each others' way of life, and that's what makes us a strong society and community," he added. 

May: Police will assess security needs of mosques

Mrs May said police would continue to assess the security needs of mosques and would provide whatever additional resources were needed. She said: 

"This was an attack on Muslims near their place of worship and, like all terrorism in whatever form, it shares the same fundamental goal. It seeks to drive us apart and to break the precious bonds of solidarity and citizenship which we share in this country.

"We will not let this happen. This morning we have seen a sickening attempt to destroy those freedoms and to break those bonds of citizenship that define our United Kingdom.

"It is a reminder that terrorism, extremism and hatred take many forms and our determination to tackle them must be the same whoever is responsible."

Theresa May speaking in Downing Street on Monday morning Credit: Lauren Hurley/PA

Brendan Cox praises May's 'excellent and powerful statement'

Mrs May's  statement in Downing Street is already winning praise on Twitter, including from Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox:

May: Police responded within one minute and attacker was 'bravely' detained by civilians

As she continues to speak outside Downing Street, here's a precis of Theresa May's comments so far:

  • This attack targeted the ordinary and innocent as they went about their daily lives. Hatred and evil of this kind will never succeed.
  • The Metropolitan Police received reports a van had been driven into a crowd of people at 12.20am.
  • Officers responded within one minute. They had declared it a terrorist incident within eight minutes.
  • One man was pronounced dead at the scene. Eight people were taken to hospital, a further two treated at the scene.
  • The driver was bravely detained by members of the public at the scene and then arrested. The early assessment is that the attacker acted alone.
  • Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and those that are injured.
  • I want to thank the emergency services for responding with great courage.
  • Extra resources have been deployed and we will look at increasing security at mosques.
  • This was an attack on Muslims near their place of worship and like all terrorism, in whatever its form, it seeks to drive us apart. We will not let this happen.
  • The government will establish a new commission for countering extremism as a statutory body
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Theresa May: Attacker believed to have acted alone

Theresa May has condemned the Finsbury Park terror attack as "every bit as  sickening" as other recent terrorist outrages. 

Mrs May said that an early assessment by police suggested the attacker "acted  alone". 

No other suspects and no knife involved, say police

Just a quick recap on this as rumours are still circulating among some on social media.

Some witnesses said more than one attacker might have been involved, but police said "no other suspects at the scene have been identified or reported to police".

The force also dismissed reports that the van driver produced a knife, adding: "At this stage there are no reports of any persons having suffered any knife injuries."

Emergency services at the scene close to Finsbury Park Mosque Credit: Thomas Van Hulle/Twitter

Was the van used in London attack driven 160 miles from Welsh village?

The Secretary of State for Wales has said South Wales Police is working with officers from London on the investigation.

Images of the van showed it was rented from Pontyclun Van Hire in Pontyclun, near Cardiff.  The village is around 160 miles from Finsbury Park.

MP Alun Cairns said: "I have this morning spoken to the Chief Constable of South Wales Police, Mr Peter Vaughan.

"He has assured me that his team is fully engaged and working in partnership with the London Metropolitan Police as the investigation into the abhorrent attack at Finsbury Park gets under way."

Mr Cairns added that it was "crucial" that the authorities were given time and the space to conduct these important enquires and that his "thoughts and prayers" were with those affected. 

Tube station quote of the day: 'Tough times don't last'

A handwritten "quote of the day" at Finsbury Park station has been attracting attention this morning. It reads: "Tough Times Don't Last Tough People Stick Together All Of Us".

Commuters take pictures of the board at Finsbury Park station Credit:  DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP

 The quote is signed by Finsbury Park London Underground staff, British Transport Police and the emergency services.

Sajid Javid speaks to concerned Finsbury Park residents

Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid spoke briefly to concerned residents before being led through the police cordon as he visited the scene.

Mr Javid was seen comforting one woman, who was visibly shaking, outside the police cordon. He paused to speak with her as she wiped away tears with a tissue. 

Sajid Javid meets a member of the local community in Finsbury Park Credit: Victoria Jones/PA

Flowers have been laid near Finsbury Park Mosque, while police officers have also arranged bouquets from members of the public inside the cordon.

MPs react: Tough times as a nation; we will endure

Here's a round-up of reaction from politicians on Twitter:

Archbishop of Canterbury: Violence only begets more violence

The Archbishop of Canterbury has condemned the "appalling" attack in Finsbury Park. The Most Rev Justin Welby said:

"The freedom to worship without fear is a right we cherish as a nation and was won at great human cost over many years.

"The appalling attack on Muslims in Finsbury Park is an attack on us all and on the culture and values of our country.

"At a time when we are all grieving the loss of so many precious people in London and Manchester, this brutal attack can only compound the trauma.

"Violence only begets more violence - it serves only the interests of those who would terrorise others.

"This wanton and cruel act can produce no good and cannot be justified or excused. In exactly the same way as previous recent attacks it is a crime against God and against humanity."

Jeremy Corbyn meets locals in Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park is in the Islington constituency Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, who is pictured here meeting residents on a visit to the area this morning. 

Jeremy Corbyn speaks to locals in Finsbury Park Credit: Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Witness accounts: 'Everyone was shocked and people were screaming... there were people on the floor'

More witness accounts are reaching us from people who witnessed the attack early today and its aftermath.

Tunisia Hassen Hammouda, 20, was visiting north London for a holiday.

"I saw this crazy man come and start killing people," he said. "He was driving straight along the road."

Asked about the attacker's appearance, he said: "Europe, like Europe, white. He was saying nothing."

He described seeing one Muslim man protecting people from the speeding vehicle: "A Muslim guy was protecting him."

A victim is taken away on a stretcher by medics at Finsbury Park Credit:  James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock

Adil Rana, 24, who was outside the mosque when the van drove towards the crowd, saw blood and "people dead on the floor" in the aftermath.

He said: "The van was driving towards us to try and basically hit us at speed and everyone was shocked and people were screaming. There were people on the floor."

Mr Rana, from Walthamstow, said the driver was held on the ground by some of the crowd after getting out the vehicle.

Armed police at the Finsbury Park cordon Credit: FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA

Mr Rana added: "The driver jumped out and then he was pinned down to the floor and people were punching him and beating him, which was reasonable because of what he's done.

"And then the imam of the mosque actually came out and said 'Don't hit him, hand him over to the police, pin him down'."

Mr Rana said the driver gestured and mocked the crowds as he was taken away by police.

He added: "When he got arrested, he was taunting, saying 'I'd do it again, I'd do it again'."

Tensions run away near the police cordon early on Monday Credit: FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA

Local resident Abdul Abdullahi walked past the mosque minutes before the van hit pedestrians.

The 18-year-old returned to the scene when he heard about the incident and said there was a "sense of confusion" as people lay on the floor.

He said: "I came back and I saw people on the floor. These are the people I saw about 10 to 15 minutes ago, people - civilians - resuscitating."

Mr Abdullahi said the arrested man looked "indifferent" and "like he didn't even care".

Bravery of imam who helped to calm scene is praised

The Muslim Welfare House praised the bravery of its imam, Mohammed Mahmoud, who helped to calm the situation as members of the public detained the attacker.

A statement posted on its website said the organisation had hosted a Great Get Together event in the memory of murdered MP Jo Cox for all faiths a few days ago and that the Muslim community in the area is "horrified" and "shocked" by Monday's incident. It said: 

"We have worked very hard over decades to build a peaceful and tolerant community here in Finsbury Park and we totally condemn any act of hate that tries to drive our wonderful community apart.

"We would appeal for calm at this time. It is unhelpful for there to be speculation about the incident. All of our efforts should be towards getting justice for the victims and ensuring our community stays the diverse, tolerant and welcome place we know it to be. We call on all, including the media, to act responsibly at this time.

"We have already met with the police, council and our local MP, Jeremy Corbyn. We would like to thank them for their support.

"Our mosque and welfare centre provides vital support to many people in north London and we will continue to do this despite this incident.

"Muslim Welfare House has always welcomed the whole community. Only a few days ago we hosted a Great Get Together in memory of Jo Cox, attended by people of every faith and background.

"I would like to particularly thank our imam, Mohammed Mahmoud, whose bravery and courage helped calm the immediate situation after the incident and prevented further injuries and potential loss of life."

Muslims pray on the pavement near Finsbury Park mosque Credit: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP

Sadiq Khan: We'll be strong, we'll stay strong and we won't allow these people to divide us'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Terrorism is terrorism, whether it's Islamist-inspired or inspired by others.

"London has been through an extremely difficult time, it's been a tough few weeks, but I'm so confident that we're going to come through this, we'll be strong, we'll stay strong and we won't allow these people to divide us."

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Mr Khan also warned about indoctrination of extremists on the internet.

Suspect 'smiling and waving' as police took him away

Sami Ali, 20, who had left the mosque just minutes before the attack, claimed the driver of the van was smiling and waving when police took him away, reports Martin Evans.

He said: "He was smiling and waving when the police took him away."

The suspect is led into a police van by officers Credit: Sky News
The suspect is taken away by police in Finsbury Park Credit: Sky News
The suspect's shirt appears to have been torn Credit: Sky News

Prime Minister expected to give statement in Downing Street

Prime Minister Theresa May will chair a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergencies committee to discuss the Seven Sisters attack at 10am, and is expected to give a statement outside 10 Downing Street afterwards.

Michael Gove: 'This was a disgusting and repellent attack'

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said he was sure the Prime Minister would be "distraught" about the attack. He said:

"This was a disgusting and repellent attack and it was aimed specifically to try and divide London and to divide communities. 

The fact that people who were coming from a place of worship and celebrating their faith and their culture were singled out for attack in this way, words fail me in trying to encapuslate my sense of disgust at what goes on. My heart also goes out to those who have been affected."

Jeremy Corbyn: Attack is 'horrific and cruel'

The incident took place just a few hundred yards from Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn's Islington home. Mr Corbyn said in a statement:

“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.

“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. 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.”

Driver alleged to have said: 'I did the job... I done my bit'

Zoheir Cheref, who arrived on the scene around five minutes after the incident, said witnesses claimed the driver said: "I did the job" as he got out of the van, reports Crime Correspondent Martin Evans.

Witness Ratip al-Sulamein described the driver as a "white guy in his mid 40s". He said: "People grabbed him and he just said 'I done my bit'."

Another witness, Usain Ali, described hearing a loud bang as the van ploughed into the crowd. He said: "One of the victims was in a wheelchair and could not get out of the way. It was terrible. I just ran for my life."

A police forensics officer walks from the scene of the attack on Monday morning Credit: Carl Court/Getty

Met Police Commissioner: Another appalling attack on our city

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has released a statement:

“London has woken up to the news of another appalling attack on our city. My thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and with all those who were injured.

“My officers were on the scene almost immediately, and other uniformed and specialist officers quickly arrived to support them. They worked quickly with colleagues from the other emergency services to treat the injured.

“I want to thank all those members of the public who assisted police and emergency services in our task.

“There is now an ongoing investigation by our Counter Terrorism Command to establish why this attack was carried out.

“London is a city of many faiths and many nationalities. An attack on one community is an attack on all of us. Terrorists will not succeed in their attempts to divide us and make us live in fear.”

“Extra officers are on duty in the area to help reassure the local community. They will be there for as long as they are needed.

“Communities will see additional officers patrolling across the city and at Muslim places of worship. We are working as hard as we can to protect all our communities, and we will not be defeated.”

All of the casualties were Muslims, police confirm

Here's more from Mr Basu, who confirmed eight people are in hospital and two others were treated at the scene. All of the casualties were Muslims, he added. He said:

"The attack unfolded whilst a man was receiving first aid from the public at the scene; sadly, he 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 the attack."

Mr Basu thanked members of the public who detained the driver, saying "their restraint in the circumstances was commendable".

The driver has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

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Van used in attack hired from Welsh company

The van used the attack, pictured here at the scene, appears to have been hired from a company called Pontyclun in Pontypridd in South Wales.

A member of staff at Pontyclun Van Hire said the company would not be issuing a statement. She said: "We are not saying anything, we don't know anything at the moment."

Police guard the van used in the mosque attack Credit: @999London/Caters News
The van used in the Finsbury Park attack Credit: Carl Court/Getty

Police chief: Incident treated as terrorist attack; man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

The man who died in the Finsbury Park incident was already receiving first aid from members of the public and it is not yet known if his death was caused by the attack, Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Neil Basu said.

Mr Basu said the incident is being treated as a "terrorist attack" and thanked members of the public for restraining the suspect who has been arrested  on suspicion of attempted murder. 

Witness: 'The van drove at them and ran over the old man'

Sultan Ahmed, 34, whose uncle witnessed the attack said the driver shouted: "Kill all Muslims" as he ploughed into the crowd of worshippers, reports Crime Correspondent Martin Evans.

He said the victim was an elderly Bangladeshi man who had just left the Muslim Welfare Mosque on Seven Sisters Road. Mr Ahmed, a charity worker, said:

"My uncle had just left the mosque when an elderly man who was in front of him fell ill and collapsed on the ground.

"A group of worshippers were crowding round to help him when the van drove at them and ran over the old man. There were at least two others who looked to be in a very bad way. 

"My uncle said the driver had shouted "I want to kill all Muslims'. There were also reports that the van had been parked over the road waiting for people to leave the mosque."

Mr Ahmed claimed that a total of three men were in the van, but two had escaped. However, police said "no other suspects at the scene have been identified or reported" to the force.

Credit:  REX/Shutterstock
Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Credit:  James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock
Credit: James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock

Greater Manchester Police chief tweets sympathy for those caught up in attack

The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police has tweeted his sympathy for the community caught up in the Finsbury Park attack. Ian Hopkins wrote:

It was less than a month ago that terrorist Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb killing 22 people, including children, after an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

Amber Rudd: Police treating attack as 'terrorist incident'

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has confirmed in an interview that police are treating the Finsbury Park attack as a "terrorist incident".

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Van incident follows series of terror attacks in Britain

The incident followed a series of attacks in Britain.

Eight people were killed and 50 injured on June 3 when three Islamist militants drove into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed people at nearby restaurants and bars.

Two weeks earlier, a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a concert by American pop singer Ariana Grande in Manchester in northern England.

On March 22, a man drove a rented car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London and stabbed a policeman to death before being shot dead. His attack killed five people.

Station open

Transport for London said Finsbury Park station was open, but passengers should use the entrance at Station Place via Stroud Green Road, as the Seven Sisters Road entrance is closed.

Abbott calls for security to be reviewed at mosques

Labour's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, whose Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency lies close to the scene, called for police to review security at mosques.

She tweeted: "Terror attack outside £FinsburyPark mosque. Police must urgently review security for all mosques £StandTogether."

Rudd: We must stand together

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "My thoughts are with all those affected by the appalling incident at Finsbury Park.

"I am in contact with the Metropolitan Police who have confirmed it is being investigated by their Counter Terrorism Command.

"We must all continue to stand together, resolute, against all those who try to divide us and spread hate and fear."

Mayor calls for 'calm'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged people to "remain calm and vigilant" as he described the incident as  a "horrific terrorist attack".

"We don't yet know the full details, but this was clearly a deliberate attack on innocent Londoners, many of whom were finishing prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.

"While this appears to be an attack on a particular community, like the terrible attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge it is also an assault on all our shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect.

"The situation is still unfolding and I urge all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant. Please report anything suspicious to the police, but only call 999 in an emergency.

"The Met have deployed extra police to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramadan."

 

Police treating incident as 'potential terror attack'

Prime Minister Theresa May said police were treating the van incident near  Finsbury Park "as a potential terrorist attack", adding:

"I will chair an  emergency meeting later this morning. All my thoughts are with the victims,  their families and the emergency services on the scene." 

One killed in incident

Police say one person was killed in the incident at Finsbury Park. 

The Metropolitan Police said at this stage there were no reports of any persons having suffered any knife injuries.

A 48-year-old was arrested over the incident after being detained by members of the public, it said in a statement.

He has been taken to hospital as a precaution, and will be taken into custody once discharged, police said. He will also be subject of a mental health assessment in due course. 

Counter terrorism police is investigating the incident. 

No other suspects at the scene have been identified or reported to police, the statement said.

Police said there would be increased police presence in order to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramadan.

Eight patients taken to hospital

The London Ambulance Service has issued an update, saying eight people have been taken to hospital following the Finsbury park incident.

A number of people were also treated at the scene for injuries. 

"The most violent manifestation" yet of Islamophobia

The Muslim Council of Britain has condemned the Finsbury Park van attack, calling it "the most violent manifestation" yet of Islamophobia and called for extra security around mosques.

The council's secretary general Harun Khan said the incident took place outside the Muslim Welfare House in Seven Sisters Road.

"Over the past weeks and months, Muslims have endured many incidents of Islamophobia and this is the most violent manifestation to date.

"Given we are approaching the end of the month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid with many Muslims going to local mosques, we expect the authorities to increase security outside mosques as a matter of urgency.

"Muslim communities have been calling for increased action to tackle the growth in hate crime for many years and transformative action must now be taken to tackle not only this incident but the hugely worrying growth in Islamophobia.

Many will feel terrorised, no doubt be angry and saddened by what has taken place tonight.

"We urge calm as the investigation establishes the full facts, and in these last days of Ramadan, pray for those affected and for justice."

Men pray after a vehicle collided with pedestrians near a mosque in the Finsbury Park neighborhood of North London Credit: Reuters

Counter-terror police 'on the scene'

British counter-terrorism police have joined regular police officers looking into an incident at a north London mosque, the Guardian and Channel 4 News report.

'We were praying for peace'

Ratip Alsulaimen told the Press Association several people were injured when they were struck by the vehicle. He said:

"I was sitting in the coffee shop just a couple of minutes away. One of our friends was reporting what was going on in the front of the mosque.

"He said the car was smashing into the people getting out of the mosque, so we just ran away, all of us, and came to see what's happening.

"When I came I saw ambulance people taking people to the ambulance.

"I think between eight to 10 people were taken away.

Police patrol the Finsbury Park area of north London  Credit: AFP

"There was an old man - about 60 years old - I don't know if he's alive or dead.

"There were other people, mid-30 to 40. There are men and women.

"We are shocked when we heard the news because we were just having a good time. We were praying for peace and for Grenfell Tower.

"When we heard this we were actually shocked."

Some people 'hit the suspect'

Abdikadar Warfa said:

"I saw a man underneath the van. He was bleeding. My friend said he had to lift the van, I was busy with a man who tried to escape.

"My friend said he said some words, but I didn't hear it.

"They (people who were hit) were mostly young. They are very bad.

"I tried to stop him (the suspect), some people were hitting him but I said stop him and keep him until the police came.

"He was trying to run away but people overpowered him. He was fighting to run away."

Suspect screamed 'I'm going to kill all Muslims'

The suspect screamed "I'm going to kill all Muslims" before he was tackled to the floor, according to a witness. Abdulrahman Saleh Alamoudi said he was among a group of people helping an elderly worshipper who had fallen down, perhaps because of the heat, when the van swerved towards them.

He told BuzzFeed News: "This big van just came and went all over us.

"I think at least eight or 10 people got injured. Luckily I managed to escape. And then the guy came out of his van and I got him.

"He was screaming, he was saying, 'I'm going to kill all Muslims, I'm going to kill all Muslims'. He was throwing punches.

"Then we managed to get him on the floor. Then he was saying, 'Kill me, kill me'. I said, 'We are not going to kill you. Why did you do that?' He wouldn't say anything."

Salah Alamoudi said eight people were hit.

He said they had to hold the suspect on the ground for up to half an hour before police arrived.

"The guy, I had to keep him at least half an hour. He was a strong guy. A big man," he said.

"It was heartbreaking. It wasn't an accident."

'Cowardly attack'

Mohammed Kozbar, chairman of the mosque at Finsbury Park, tweeted:

"Our thoughts and prayers with those who got injured and effected by this cowardly attack in Finsbury Park area, many casualties in the floor."

Theresa May reacts to 'terrible incident'

Prime Minister Theresa May has described the attack on worshippers near Finsbury Park mosque as a "terrible incident". She added:

"All my thoughts are with those who have been injured, their loved ones and the emergency services on the scene."

'Tensions running high'

A series of videos have emerged on social media showing tensions are running high after the incident.

London mayor reacts

 Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, has reacted to the major incident.

Corbyn 'shocked' at 'awful event'

Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has reacted to the incident at Finsbury Park.

One person 'stabbed'

A man leapt out of a white van and stabbed at least one person near a North London mosque, the Evening Standard newspaper reported on Monday, citing witnesses.

The incident has drawn comparisons to the London Bridge attack earlier this month when eight people were killed and 50 injured when three Islamist militants drove into pedestrians and stabbed people.

Ambulance service issues update

'There were bodies around me'

One resident told the Press Association he jumped out of the way as the van struck pedestrians. The man, who did not want to be named, said:

"The gentleman went straight down this road, people were just conversing, talking, just doing what we're doing.

"And he just came into all of us.

"There was a lot of people. We got told to move straight away.

"I was shocked, shocked, shocked. There were bodies around me.

"Thank God I just moved to the side, I just jumped. Everyone is hurt. Everyone is actually hurt."

A man prays after a vehicle collided with pedestrians near a mosque in the Finsbury Park Credit: Reuters

'This should be classed as an act of terrorism'

Mohammed Shafiq of the Ramadhan Foundation, a Muslim organisation which speaks out against extremism, has issued a statement condemning the attack.

"I utterly condemn the senseless and evil van attack against Muslim worshippers outside the Finsbury Park Mosque in London.

"According to eyewitnesses this was a deliberate attack against innocent Muslims going about their life.

"We should make clear that if this attack is confirmed as a deliberate terrorist attack then this should be classed as an act of terrorism.

"The British Muslim community requires all decent people to stand with us against this evil violence.

"Rampant Islamaphobia has been on the rise for a number of years and those on the far right have perpetuated hatred against Muslims.

"They should be called out for their hatred.

"The days ahead will be difficult, but with unity and tolerance we will prevail. We will not allow these far right extremists to divide our diverse communities.

"Enough is enough, my condolences and prayers for all the victims and their families. They are in my prayers."

Bloodstains on the pavement

Video posted online of the aftermath of the attack shows a scene of chaos as people tried to help the injured.

One man could been seen giving CPR to a victim in the street while another man's head injury was treated with a makeshift dressing.

People could be heard shouting and screaming amid the chaos and bloodstains were visible on the pavement.

'A lot of chaos'

One woman who lives opposite the scene told the BBC:

"From the window, I started hearing a lot of yelling and screeching, a lot of chaos outside. Everybody was shouting: 'A van's hit people, a van's hit people'.

"There was this white van stopped outside Finsbury Park mosque that seemed to have hit people who were coming out after prayers had finished. I didn't see the attacker himself, although he seems to have been arrested, but I did see the van."

Scene on the ground

Police man a cordon at Finsbury Park in north London Credit: PA
Police officers attend to the scene after a vehicle collided with pedestrians in Finsbury Park Credit: Reuters
Emergency services are seen near Finsbury Park as British police say there are casualties Credit: Reuters

'Deeply distressing'

The event held at the Muslim Welfare House tonight was apparently to show unity. 

Latest statement from Ambulance Service

Suspect was 'confronted by bystanders'

Eyewitnesses have reported seeing bystanders wrestle the suspect to the ground and pin him down until officers arrived.

Incident took place close to Muslim Welfare House

The Muslim Council of Britain says: "We have been informed that a van has run over worshippers as they left #FinsburyPark Mosque. Our prayers are with the victims."

It is believed to have happened very close to the Muslim Welfare House.

'Like something from a horror movie'

One caller told LBC her sister was at the scene when it happened.

She said she described it as "something from a horror movie, everyone running everywhere".

She didn't realise what was going until she saw people on the ground. 

Video shows police response 

Van 'hit people on pavement'

One eyewitness speaking to LBC said the van had hit people on the pavement, but had not collided with a building. "It looked like he had lost control of the van or something," he said. 

Locals said they had heard shouting and a helicopter was circling overhead. 

'Horrible to watch'

Pictures posted on social media show more than a dozen emergency vehicles near the UKCG Help Centre at the junction of Seven Sisters Road and the A503 Tollington Road.

Road to be 'closed for some time'

Transport for London says the Seven Sisters Road will be "closed for some time". 

'Six people on the floor'

One caller told LBC said people from a local mosque had been drinking coffee at a cafe by the mosque. He said he had seen six people on the floor.

Another caller said:  "I saw police giving CPR, getting the heart going again and another guy on the floor." 

Location of incident

The incident reportedly happened very close to Finsbury Park Mosque.

More road closures over major incident

Road closed

Transport for London says the A503 Seven Sisters Road is closed at Fonthill Road due to an emergency services incident.

Ambulance service responding

Incident on Seven Sisters Road

Police are responding to an incident on Seven Sisters Road after reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians.

Police said officers were on the scene with other emergency services and there were a number of casualties. 

One person has been arrested.

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