Finsbury Park attack: Counter terror officers investigate after one man killed as `van drives into mosque crowds`

One man has died and a number injured after being struck by a van in a suspected terror attack near a mosque in London once the stamping ground of hook-handed hate preacher Abu Hamza.

Counter terror officers are investigating the incident in Finsbury Park, where eight people have been taken to hospital and two more were treated at the scene.

The van driver, described by eyewitnesses as a large white man, was detained by members of the public after the attack in Seven Sisters Road in the early hours on Monday (June 19).

A 48-year-old has been arrested and after being taken to hospital as a precaution will be detained when discharged, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said.

It is understood the vehicle veered off the road into worshippers leaving prayers. One witness described being surrounded by bodies in the wake of the attack outside the Muslim Welfare House, close to Finsbury Park mosque.

Another said the attacker shouted about killing Muslims as he was held by local people. CCTV footage showed injured people motionless on the pavement as crowds surrounded a white man believed to be the driver.

The MPS said armed officers were at the scene, with the investigation being carried out by Counter Terrorism Command and an extra officers deployed to reassure Muslims during Ramadan.

In a statement the MPS added: “One man was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The force said it had found nothing to confirm witness reports that up to three men had been in the van before two fled, or that the driver was carrying a knife and stabbed victims.

But the MPS said: “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 force added: “Due to the nature of this incident extra policing resources have been deployed in order to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramadan.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the “horrific terrorist attack”, adding: “I am grateful to our emergency services, who responded quickly and have been working on the scene throughout the night.”

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “During the night, ordinary British citizens were set upon while they were going about their lives, completing their night worship.

“My prayers are with the victims and their families. It appears from eyewitness accounts that the perpetrator was motivated by Islamophobia.

“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.”

Mr Khan added: “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.”

The Prime Minister described the attack as a “terrible incident“, adding: “All my thoughts are with those who have been injured, their loved ones and the emergency services on the scene.”

She added: “Police have confirmed this is being treated as a potential terrorist attack.

“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.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had been in touch with local mosques, police and the council following the incident, which took place in his constituency and near his home.

“My thoughts are with those and the community affected by this awful event,” Mr Corbyn added.

Finsbury Park mosque was once infamous as `home` to hate preacher Abu Hamza.

A number of terrorists were linked to the mosque, including shoebomber Richard Reid, who attempted to detonate explosives on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami in 2001.

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