Quick-thinking bystanders tackled the perp when he ran from the van. Police were on the scene within seconds because a cruiser was in the neighborhood by chance.
My condolences and prayers for swift recovery of the injured.
By
TESS DE LA MARE, ALEXANDER BRITTON, JASON COLLIE
4-1/2 hours ago
TESS DE LA MARE, ALEXANDER BRITTON, JASON COLLIE
4-1/2 hours ago
Evening Standard (U.K.)
One man was killed and 10 others injured after a van was driven into worshippers near Finsbury Park mosque in a suspected terrorist attack.
Dozens of people had just finished prayers at the mosque when the vehicle crashed into pedestrians in Seven Sisters Road at about 12.15am on Monday.
One man has been arrested and the Metropolitan Police confirmed that one man died and that Counter Terrorism officers are investigating the attack.
Witnesses said people were also attacked by a knife-wielding man but the Met said there had been no reports of anyone suffering stab wounds.
Prime Minister Theresa May said it was being treated as "a potential terrorist attack" and that she would hold a Cobra committee emergency meeting later on Monday.
The nature of the attack drew immediate parallels with the London Bridge atrocity two weeks ago, in which eight innocent people were killed.
Bystanders wrestled a suspect to the floor ground. Officers on patrol nearby were at the scene within seconds and made one arrest.
A white man with black hair was seen being detained by police officers.
The victims are believed to be Muslims who had been breaking fast at a cafe next to the mosque following late-night prayers observed during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "One man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers are in the process of informing next of kin.
"A post mortem examination will be scheduled due course.
"Eight people injured were taken to three separate hospitals; two people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
"At this stage there are no reports of any persons having suffered any knife injuries."
The spokesman continued: "The driver of the van - a man aged 48 - was found detained by members of public at the scene and then arrested by police in connection with the incident.
"He has been taken to hospital as a precaution, and will be taken into custody once discharged.
"He will also be subject of a mental health assessment in due course.
"A number police units are at, and managing the cordons around, the crime scene, including local officers and those from neighbouring boroughs - supported by armed officers and the Territorial Support Group.
"The investigation of the incident is being carried out by the Counter Terrorism Command.
"At this early stage of this investigation, no other suspects at the scene have been identified or reported to police, however the investigation continues."
The vehicle appears to have been rented from Pontaclun Van Hire, based in Wales.
The Muslim Council of Britain has confirmed that worshippers leaving Finsbury Park Mosque were targeted when a van ran into them, adding: "Our prayers are with the victims."
Footage shared on social media showed scenes of carnage, with bodies of several men laying on the pavement next to a cafe.
Mehdi, a 38-year-old worshipper, said: “There were loads of people coming out and the van took a left and went straight into them.
“I saw four of five people on the floor ground. At least one person was stabbed.
“The crowd caught a guy. He tried to do a London Bridge thing.
“The police were there almost instantly, passing in a car by chance. People were coming out of the mosque and they just drove through them.
"They drove through the crowds for a distance of nine metres.”
[...]
Hilary Briffa, who lives opposite the mosque, told the Standard: “I heard a lot of yelling and people running, then loads of police cars and helicopters and fire engines started showing up.
"The response time was really impressive."
[...]
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