London: One killed, several injured as van runs into pedestrians
In the intervening night of June 18-19, a van ran into worshippers coming out of the Finsbury Park Mosque, running over several of them. At least one was killed and eight injured. The Metropolitan Police is treating it as a "potential terrorist attack". Counter-terrorism officials have joined local cops in the investigation. One suspect has been arrested.
What happened?
A little after midnight, a van ran into pedestrians near the Finsbury Park Mosque on Seven Sisters Road. There were many Muslims gathered who had come for their Ramzan evening prayers. Those present managed to nab the 48-year-old driver and kept him down till cops arrived. Emergency services were rushed to the spot. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
Eyewitness accounts from the ground
Contrary to official reports, witnesses said there were three men in the van. Many said it was clear the vehicle had intentionally run people over. According to one witness, the suspect screamed, "I'm going to kill all Muslims," before he was wrestled to the ground. He also reportedly shouted at people to "Kill me!", but didn't say much else.
"Most violent manifestation of Islamophobia yet"
The Muslim Council of Britain termed it "the most violent manifestation" of Islamophobia yet, calling for increased security around mosques. Meanwhile, PM Theresa May called it a "terrible incident", saying, "My thoughts are with the injured, their loved ones and emergency services on the scene."
Three major terrorist attacks in Britain in recent times
This comes after three terrorist attacks in Britain in recent times. On June 3, three Islamist militants drove into pedestrians and stabbed many at London Bridge, killing eight and injuring 50. Two weeks earlier, 22 were killed in a bomb blast at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. On March 22, five died when a man drove a car into people on Westminster Bridge.
