London Attack: British Police Arrest 8 Suspects

A car plowed into pedestrians and a suspected Islamist-inspired attacker stabbed a policeman. The dead, in what police called a “marauding terrorist attack,” included the assailant and the policeman he stabbed. The other three victims were among those hit by the car as it sped across Westminster Bridge before crashing into railings just outside parliament.

A woman in her mid-40s and a man in his mid-50s, were among the victims.

Rowley said at least 29 people being treated in hospital, seven of whom were in a critical condition.

According to him, security agencies searched addresses in London, Birmingham and other parts of the country in their investigation.

“It is still our belief … that this attacker acted alone and was inspired by international terrorism.

“At this stage we have no specific information about further threats to the public,” Rowley said.

He said there was a mix of nationalities among the dead but gave no details.

The attack on Wednesday started when the assailant sped across Westminster Bridge in a car, ramming pedestrians along the way.

He then ran towards parliament and stabbed the policeman before he was shot.

Westminster Bridge remained cordoned off with a strong police presence.

British Prime Minister, Theresa May said Thursday as she addressed Parliament that the perpetrator was British born and once linked to violent extremism.

May said the attacker had been investigated by security services but was regarded as a “peripheral figure.”

The attack represents the deadliest in London in over 12 years.

A tweet from ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq said the attacker was “a soldier” of ISIS inspired by its message, however, the terror group has provided no evidence for any direct links to the assailant.