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Houses have been raided overnight in Birmingham and London after the death of four people in Westminster, with seven people arrested.

Six properties in the two cities and other locations were cordoned off at around 11pm on Wednesday as police investigate what they're calling an "Islamist-led terror attack" on the capital.

Acting Deputy Commissioner and Head of Counter Terrorism Mark Rowley said those who died include a woman in her 40s, a man in his 50s, PC Keith Palmer and the attacker.

PC Keith Palmer lost his life after being stabbed in what police are calling a terror attack

Seven of the injured are still in hospital in a critical condition and a further 29 were treated in hospital.

A Metropolitan police spokesman said: "Hundreds of detectives have been working through the night and during that time I can confirm we have searched six addresses - and made seven arrests.

"The inquiries in Birmingham, London and other parts of the country continue.

"It is still our belief - which continues to be born out by our investigation - that this attacker acted alone yesterday and was inspired by international terrorism.

"To be explicit - at this stage, we have no specific information about further threats to the public.

"It is still our belief - which continues to be born out by our investigation - that this attacker acted alone yesterday and was inspired by international terrorism.

"To be explicit - at this stage, we have no specific information about further threats to the public."

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Conclusion

That’s it from us today.

We’ll be bringing you more updates throughout that day from 7am tomorrow morning.

Have a nice evening.

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More footage shows thousands at vigil

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Neighbours of Westminster attacker tell of their shock

Neighbours of the terrorist, Khalid Masood, who was behind the Westminster attack have spoken of their shock that he was responsible for the atrocity, reports Press Association.

Masood was born in Kent and was thought to be most recently living in the West Midlands.

Police have been searching a three-storey townhouse in the Winson Green area of Birmingham and neighbours said Masood lived there for around seven months until December last year.

Iwona Romek said she could not believe her eyes when she realised the man who had lived near her was the same person responsible for the attack.

She said: “I am very surprised, I cannot believe it. Because when I saw him, I couldn’t even see that he could do something like this.

“Now I’m scared that someone like that was living close to me.”

She added: “I see pictures of him lying injured and from that picture I can see it’s him.

“And my partner as well, he has seen the picture, he is at work, and when I showed it him he said ‘oh my God’ it’s him.”

Ms Romek said she had seen him with a child, aged between five and six years old, and a partner, but that they had moved away around two to three months ago.

Armed police also raided a flat in another part of the city, storming the second-storey property on Hagley Road overnight.

Stunned residents described seeing more than a dozen black-clad officers equipped with machine guns smashing their way into the Birmingham flat, believed to be a rental, at about 11pm on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the raid was part of a wider operation in which several addresses were searched and eight arrests made.

One witness who works in a shop near the second-floor Birmingham flat told the Press Association: “The man from London lived here.”

He added: “They came and arrested three men.”

Another resident said he recalled two men living there. He heard one man in the flat speaking on the phone in what he described as an “Arabic or Pakistani accent”, saying he had heard it “for the last two or three nights”.

Masood is also thought to have lived in London, with a man of his name registered to an address in a terraced street in West Ham.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told the Press Association: “This guy is a local guy. I’ve been living in the area for 20 years.

“I don’t know him personally but I believe he belongs to a mosque on Leyton High Road.

“I’ve seen his face many times. I saw him on the news at around 7pm last night and thought ‘this is the guy I know from the mosque.’

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Met police: 'We stand together'

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Tourists speak out

We spoke to tourists this morning about how the terror attack had affected them. Here’s what they said:

Full story here: http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/london-terror-attack-footage-shows-12787564

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Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment now open

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Footage shows people gathering for vigil

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Killer Khalid Masood had string of previous convictions

Killer Khalid Masood had a string of previous convictions, reports Press Association.

The Westminster terrorist has been named as a 52-year-old with a string of criminal convictions including possession of a knife.

Scotland Yard said Masood was not the subject of any current investigations and there was “no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack”. However, he was known to police and has a range of previous convictions for assaults, including GBH, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences.

Masood’s first conviction was in November 1983 for criminal damage and his last conviction was in December 2003 for possession of a knife.

He has not been convicted for any terrorism offences, the Met said.

Earlier on Thursday Prime Minister Theresa May disclosed the terrorist was British-born and known to police and MI5.

He was once investigated in relation to concerns about violent extremism some years ago but was a “peripheral figure”.

The case is “historic” and the attacker was “not part of the current intelligence picture,” Mrs May added.

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Fundraising page reaches £100,000 in just six hours

The JustGiving page set up to support the family of PC Keith Palmer, the Metropolitan Police officer who was fatally stabbed in yesterday’s tragic terror attack at Westminster, has now raised over £100,000 with donations continuing to flood in

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His badge number will be retired

As a sign of respect, the Metropolitan Police will be retiring PC Palmer’s shoulder number - 4157U - after his death.

It will not be issued to any other officer.

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Fellow officer at Parliament speaks

A colleague who worked most recently with PC Palmer, Inspector Mark Turner from the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, said: “He was a really solid, reliable member of the team - he came in and just got the job done, quietly and efficiently.

“He was a fantastic member of staff and will be sorely missed.”

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Nominated for an award for catching thieves

PC Palmer had a phenomenal record for catching criminals during career.

In 2015, he was nominated for the best thief taker in the Commissioner’s Excellence Awards after he made more than 150 arrests in 12 months.

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Colleagues also pay tribute to murdered father

PC Palmer’s Met Police colleagues have also praised him as a “genuinely nice person”.

PC James Aitkenhead, who worked with him at the Territorial Support Group, said: “Keith was a genuinely nice person; nobody had a bad word to say about him.

“When I heard what had happened I knew it would be him because that’s just the sort of guy he was, to step straight in when others might step back.

PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death in Westminster on Wednesday (March 23)
PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death in Westminster on Wednesday (March 23) (Image: Met Police)

“He had a great worth ethic, he worked on our warrants’ car for years, getting up at 4am to serve warrants and arresting wanted offenders. He was always so positive, always staying late after everyone else and getting in early.

“in his personal live he was a massive Charlton Athletic fan and had a season ticket.

“We will miss home so much.”

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Joined Parliamentary protection less than a year ago

The 48-year-old had been working at Parliament for less than a year before he was stabbed to death in yesterday’s terror attack.

PC Palmer joined the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in April last year.

Before that he was in the Territorial Support Group, which deals with domestic disorder and counter-terror, based at Catford but patrolling across London.

Prior to that PC Palmer was based in Bromley from 2002 to 2009.

The married officer and father to a five-year-old girl joined the met in 2001.

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Family of murdered officer PC Keith Palmer pay tribute

The family of PC Keith Palmer who was stabbed to death in the grounds of the Houses of Parliament have paid tribute to a “wonderful dad and husband.

PC Palmer was “brave and courageous” according to his family and was a long-time supporter of Charlton FC.

His family said in a statement released on Thursday afternoon (March 23): “Keith will be remembered as a wonderful dad and husband.

“A loving son, brother and uncle. A long-time supporter of Charlton FC.

“Dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous.
“A friend to everyone who knew him.

“He will be deeply missed. We love him so much.

“His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask that they are left to grieve alone in peace.”

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Eight casualties at St Mary's Hospital

St Mary’s Hospital has confirmed it received eight casualties after yesterday’s terror attack.

Dr Julian Redhead, medical director at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We can confirm that St Mary’s Hospital received eight casualties yesterday from the major incident in Westminster. The hospital continues to run smoothly and we are very grateful to all our staff and those of the emergency services for their fantastic response.”

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Attacker responsible formally identified as 52-year-old from West Midlands

Police have said after formal identification, they believe 52-year-old Khalid Masood was responsible for the attacks in Westminster.

Masood was born in Kent and detectives believe he was most recently living in the West Midlands. Masood was also known by a number of aliases, according to the Counter Terrorism unit.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Masood was not the subject of any current investigations and there was no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack.

“However, he was known to police and has a range of previous convictions for assaults, including GBH, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences.”

His first conviction was in November 1983 for criminal damage and his last conviction was in December 2003 for possession of a knife.

He has not been convicted for any terrorism offences.

Anyone with any information about Masood can call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321.

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British Transport Police say 'higher presence of officers' will continue and monitor against hate

Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas has said in response to yesterday’s events: “We increased our patrols around the country and will continue to have a higher policing presence across the railway network for the next few days. That includes both armed and unarmed officers.

“Our experience of the public response since yesterday’s incident has been overwhelmingly positive – our officers have received messages of support and thanks for the work they do, and members of the public have been rallying together.

“When you see one of our officers out and about, please come and say hello. I know the loss of a fellow police officer is being felt across the country and within every police force.

“There is no place for intolerance and racism in our society and I have every confidence that together, in our communities, we can defeat hate and we can defeat terrorism.

“If you do experience any hate crime, or see it happening, on the railway, I would like to remind everyone that we want to know about it. We will take action against any criminal behaviour which seeks to undermine society, particularly crimes which are motivated by hate.

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James Corden says Londoners will be closer than ever

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MP Ruth Cadbury: 'Westminster attacker is not representative of Muslims'

West London MP Ruth Cadbury has said the lone attacker is not representative of Muslims.

In a statement sent to getwestlondon, she wrote:

“First of all can I thank all who sent messages of goodwill to me and my staff yesterday.

“We really appreciated getting them. We are all fine, although I’m sure people will understand that it will take a day or two to get up to full service after the disruption.

“Secondly, as Londoners and as Parliamentarians, our thoughts are particularly with Keith Palmer’s family, his colleagues who are at work today protecting us, and all those injured and bereaved yesterday.

Flag flies at half mast in Hounslow

“In Parliament, are all so grateful to those who put their lives on the line for us, and also with all those who work to make Parliament tick. “The Prime Minister, Jeremy Corbyn and many MPs made moving contributions in the Chamber this morning thanking the police, security services, NHS staff and the many others who responded.

“ They also said that Parliament cannot be cowed by this terrible act of an individual. As the widow of my colleague murdered by a terrorist last year said, “The Westminster attacker is no more representative of Muslims than Jo Cox’s killer is representative of Yorkshire.”

“We must, and we will, work together in our communities, along with the police, learning listening and supporting each other to prevent further tragedies, as such work has already prevented them in recent months.

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Queen's visit to open Metropolitan Police HQ cancelled

Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were due to open the new Metropolitan Police headquarters today.

Due to the horrific events of the Westminster terror attack on Wednesday (March 22), Buckingham Palace has confirmed the Royal opening has been postponed.

Royal opening of New Scotland Yard postponed following London terrorist attack
Royal opening of New Scotland Yard postponed following London terrorist attack (Image: Hayes Davidson (Met pic))

A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said: “The engagement has been postponed in light of yesterday’s events.

“It will be rearranged for a later date.”

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Westminster Assembly Member Tony Devenish says 'will not be divided by such a cowardly act'

In the wake of yesterday’s terrorist attack outside the Houses of Parliament, Tony Devenish, London Assembly member for Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham, said: “As we begin to come to terms with the horrifying events of yesterday afternoon I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all those injured or killed in the attack, as well as their families.

“The bravery of PC Keith Palmer in defending the Houses of Parliament meant he tragically lost his life, though I’ve no doubt that by putting himself in harm’s way he saved the lives of others.

Police were called to the scene near the Houses of Parliament at around 2.40pm
Police were called to the scene near the Houses of Parliament at around 2.40pm

“As a representative of Westminster I can say I’m truly proud of the incredible response of both the brave emergency services and of all those who live and work in the area.

“We have shown today we will not be divided by such a cowardly act of terror and the sight of people carrying on and uniting in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

“I will be joining my fellow Londoners in paying tribute to all of those affected by the attack over the coming days.”


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Prime Minister and James Heappey MP to discuss importance of more people learning first aid

Sue Killen, CEO of St John Ambulance, said: “Our thoughts go to those affected by yesterday’s incident in Westminster.

“It is encouraging to see the efforts of passers-by who gave first aid, working alongside the emergency services, to offer care and comfort to those who needed it.

“It’s moments like this, when having life saving skills, can make all the difference.

Police were called to Westminster Bridge on February 19
Police were called to Westminster Bridge on February 19 (Image: Google Street View)

“We welcome today’s discussion between the Prime Minister and James Heappey MP regarding the importance of learning first aid – it’s such a simple skill but has an incredible impact.”

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Boris Johnson quotes Winston Churchill in impassioned message

Winston Churchill’s message to the people of Britain following the terror attack on Parliament would be: “Never surrender, never give in”, Foreign Secretary and west London MP Boris Johnson has said.

The former London mayor and Churchill biographer said it was vital for life in the city to continue as normal in the wake of the attack, declaring: “The way to lose the war on terror is to be terrified, even for a second. We are not terrified and we will go on.”

Mr Johnson said “a huge amount of surveillance and monitoring” was required to tackle the small number of extremists intent on violence in a major city like London. And he issued a demand to internet companies to crack down on extremist content carried on their networks, which he said was “corrupting and polluting” its viewers.

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Third victim named as US tourist Kurt Cochran

The third victim of the London terror attack has been named as a US tourist who died after falling from Westminster Bridge.

Kurt Cochran was hit by the car which ploughed into pedestrians in the horrific incident yesterday.

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London attacker hired car in Solihill close to flat raided by terror police

Searches are continuing at a Birmingham flat raided by armed police in connection with the Westminster terror attack - after it emerged that the killer’s car had been hired nearby.

Neighbours described the frightening moment when heavily-armed officers stormed a second-floor flat in Hagley Road overnight, hours after events in London unfolded.

On Thursday, car-hire firm Enterprise confirmed the Hyundai 4x4 used in the attack was one of its vehicles after an employee recognised the numberplate in online photos.

The car is understood to have been rented from a branch in Stratford, Shirley, in Solihull, just eight miles (13km) from the scene of the flat raid. In a statement, Enterprise said: “We can confirm that the car used in the tragic attack in London yesterday afternoon was one of ours.”

Islamic State has claimed the British-born attacker was one of its “soldiers”.

Prime Minister Theresa May, addressing MPs earlier, said the man had once been investigated by MI5 but was “a peripheral figure”.

Meanwhile, stunned residents have described seeing more than dozen black-clad officers equipped with machine guns smashing their way in to the Birmingham flat, believed to be a rental, at about 11pm on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the raid was part of a wider operation in which several addresses were searched and eight arrests made.

One witness who works in a shop near the second-floor Birmingham flat told the Press Association: “The man from London lived here.” He added “They came and arrested three men.”

Stuart Bailey, who lives four doors down, was going for a drink with his friend when an armed officer shouted for him to “Go left”.

The 25-year-old added: “There were a load of armed police in the street and on the pavement and I could see three or four in front of me.

“They were all dressed in black and armed with what looked like MP5s (submachine guns) and one of them had six ammunition magazines strapped to his leg. “I wasn’t allowed back in my property for an hour.”

A shopkeeper said police had told customers and staff to stay inside the store while the operation continued.

The road was sealed off by balaclava-wearing officers for several hours as the raid was carried out, although the busy main road into the city has since reopened.

Another man who lives in the neighbouring flats said he was “scared and frightened” when he glanced out of the window and saw about a dozen armed police wearing Kevlar helmets and body armour in the street.

Police activity at the flat was continuing on Thursday, with windows covered with cardboard to obscure views inside and camera-flashes visible from the interior. Enterprise said it was co-operating with the ongoing police inquiry.

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Westminster Bridge re-opens but other roads remain closed

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Brent Police announce 'reassurance patrols' in borough as council leader speaks of 'bonds that unite'

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “We are all profoundly saddened by the terrible scenes on the streets of London yesterday. Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone who has been affected, particularly the families and friends of those killed or injured.

“It is at times like these that we all need to remember, whatever our differences, that the bonds that unite us are deep and enduring and stronger than any attempt to turn us against each other.”

The police have confirmed that there will be extra police on the streets of Brent.

The flag at Brent Civic Centre is flying at half-mast and many Londoners have started using the #Westandtogether hashtag to show their solidarity and unity with one another.

Brent Council building fly their flag at half mast after four people named dead and 40 injured in yesterday's appalling attack
Brent Council building fly their flag at half mast after four people named dead and 40 injured in yesterday's appalling attack
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Extremist terror group Islamic State say attacker was 'soldier of the Islamic State'

The Islamic State terror group has claimed through its news agency that the Westminster attacker was a “soldier of the Islamic State”.

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JustGiving page for the victims of the Westminster attack in London has raised more than £13,000

Following yesterday’s tragic attack in Westminster, members of the public have been quick to show their support and a JustGiving page has been set up for the family of Keith Palmer, the Metropolitan Police officer who was stabbed in the attack.

PC Keith Palmer lost his life after being stabbed in what police are calling a terror attack
PC Keith Palmer lost his life after being stabbed in what police are calling a terror attack

In just a matter of hours more than £13,000 has been donated by 660 supporters, with donations continuing to pour in.

To donate to the page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Keith-palmer

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