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London attack

March 23, 2017 | Expert Insights

What is the terror threat level in the UK?

  • Five people have died and at least 40 were injured after an attacker drove a car along a pavement in Westminster, stabbed a policeman and was shot dead by police in the grounds of Parliament.
  • The dead officer has been named as PC Keith Palmer, 48.
  • PM Theresa May said the attack was "sick and depraved" and struck at values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.
  • The attacker has not been named by police.
  • Acting Deputy Commissioner and head of counter terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, Mark Rowley, said they think they know who he is and that he was inspired by international and Islamist-related terrorism, but gave no further details.

What Happened?

At 14.40 GMT a single attacker drove a car over Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London, killing at least two pedestrians and injuring many more.

The car then crashed into railings outside the Houses of Parliament.

The attacker, armed with a knife, ran to Parliament where he was confronted by the police. One officer - who was not armed - was stabbed and killed.

The attacker was shot dead by armed officers.

Who was the attacker? Was there only one?

  • The prime minister said there was a "single attacker".
  • He has not yet been named. Police say they think they know who he is, and are "working to look at associates". Acting deputy commissioner Mark Rowley, the Met's top anti-terror officer, urged restraint from "proactive investigative journalists" in working out who he was.
  • Mr Rowley said the working assumption was that the attacker was "inspired by international terrorism" and "Islamist-related terrorism", but would not comment on his nationality or any other details.
  • He said police were focusing on the suspect's "motivation, preparation and associates".
  • He has not yet been named. Police say they think they know who he is, and are "working to look at associates". Acting deputy commissioner Mark Rowley, the Met's top anti-terror officer, urged restraint from "proactive investigative journalists" in working out who he was.
  • The attacker is said to be inspired by international terrorism" and "Islamist-related terrorism", but would not comment on his nationality or any other details.

Assessment

The current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

The threat level has been at severe since August 2014 itself. There is also a substantial threat of Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Britain, meaning an attack is a strong possibility in England and the country should take required precautions to keep the country away from the other terrorist attacks.