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Finsbury Park terror attack: Reactions to the attack

Monday 19-06-2017 - 10:31 AM

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Moment angry crowd holds down suspect screaming "Kill me" after Finsbury Park mosque terror attack

London - One person has been killed and 10 others injured after a van was rammed into worshippers near a mosque, before the driver is said to have screamed: "I'm going to kill all Muslims," British News agencies reported from the scene.

The van struck people after mounting the pavement just after midnight BST outside Muslim Welfare House, near Finsbury Park Mosque.

Prime Minister Theresa May described it 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."

Labour leader and local MP Jeremy Corbyn said on Twitter that he was "totally shocked" by the event.

"I've been in touch with the mosques, police and Islington council regarding the incident. My thoughts are with those and the community affected by this awful event."

Police and ambulance crews raced to the scene at Finsbury Park after pedestrians were reportedly mowed down

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan promised additional policing to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramadan. He has also asked people to "remain calm and vigilant".

"We don't yet know the full details, but this was clearly a deliberate attack on innocent Londoners, many of whom were finishing prayers during the holy month of Ramadan," he said.

"While this appears to be an attack on a particular community, like the terrible attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge, it is also an assault on all our shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect."

Police officers talk with local people at Finsbury Park in north London CREDIT: YUI MOK/PA WIRE

The secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, Harun Khan, tweeted that the van had "intentionally run over worshippers" and that he was "shocked and outraged".

In a statement, the MCB added that it was a "violent manifestation of Islamophobia" and called for extra security around mosques.

The Jewish Community Council of North London called the attack "barbaric" and tweeted that members shared their "thoughts and prayers with our friends and neighbours".

Police have asked witnesses or anyone with any information to call them on 101 or contact them via Twitter @MetCC.

You can also give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.