Khalid Masood's communications on the day of the London terror attack are "a main line of enquiry", police have said, although there is "no evidence" the rampage was discussed with others.
The Metropolitan Police has issued a fresh appeal for information following the attack in Westminster last Wednesday (March 22) that left four people dead including one police officer.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said the 52 year-old from Birmingham used 'low sophistication, low tech, low cost techniques" during the attack.
The Senior National Coordinator for UK Counter Terrorism Policing also said that there was currently no evidence that Masood was radicalised in prison, where he served several terms.
Westminster attack
“I would like to start by repeating my request to the public for their help," he said. "Specifically to those who knew or talked to Khalid Masood in the months, weeks and days leading up to the attack.
"We are tracing these people, but I would ask you all to voluntarily come forward and help our investigation.
“There has been much speculation about who Masood was in contact with immediately prior to the attack. All I will say on this point is that Masood’s communications that day are a main line of enquiry.
"If you heard from him on 22nd March, please come forward now, the information you have may prove important to establishing his state of mind.
“His attack method appears to be based on low sophistication, low tech, low cost techniques copied from other attacks, and echo the rhetoric of IS leaders in terms of methodology and attacking police and civilians, but at this stage I have no evidence he discussed this with others.
“There is no evidence that Masood was radicalised in prison in 2003, as has been suggested; this is pure speculation at this time. Whilst I have found no evidence of an association with IS or Al Qaeda, there is clearly an interest in Jihad.
“In 2005 he changed his name to Khalid Masood.
“His last criminal offence was 2003 and he was not a current subject of interest or part of the current domestic or international threat picture for either the security service or CT Policing.
“I know when, where and how Masood committed his atrocities, but now I need to know why. Most importantly, so do the victims and families.”
A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts in connection with the attack on Sunday (March 26).
He was detained under TACT and currently remains in police custody.
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