How Westminster terror maniac was gunned down by MP Michael Fallon’s security guard
THE Westminster terror attacker was gunned down by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon's security guard.
It has emerged the Defence Minister's protection officer drew his gun and shot the British-born extremist up to three times after he launched a deadly attack in the capital.
The security guard acted after the maniac, who had just ploughed through crowds on Westminster Bridge, smashed a car into the gates of Parliament before fatally stabbing hero cop PC Keith Palmer.
Scotland Yard have confirmed the guard was on the scene and said he is being treated as a significant witness.
This morning Theresa May told the House of Commons the attacker, shot outside Parliament, was British-born and known to secret services having previously been investigated for violent extremism.
She told MPs he was a "peripheral" figure, adding "he was not part of the current intelligence picture".
Mrs May also revealed that authorities had no prior intelligence of the plot.
She confirmed that the attacker's identity would be made public in due time.
Isis has claimed the extremist was a "soldier of the Islamic state".
The revelations come after cops arrested eight people in raids on six different addresses across London and Birmingham in connection with yesterday’s bloody attack.
Mark Rowley, national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing and Met Acting Deputy Commissioner had earlier confirmed the sites raided included properties in London and a Birmingham flat close to where the car used in the attack was rented.
Mr Rowley corrected earlier figures saying three innocent victims – Pc Palmer, a woman in her mid 40s and a man in his mid 50s – were killed along with the attacker.
The female victim was mum-of-two Aysha Frade, who is believed to have been picking up her children from school when she was killed in the horrific attack.
Sky News has reported that police officers are among those injured on Westminster Bridge, with two in a critical condition.
While vowing that Britain would not be cowed by the attack, she said that as a precautionary measure, the number of armed police patrols across the country would be rolled out.
Met with vocal support from other members of parliament, she said: “Yesterday we saw the worst of humanity, but we will remember the best.”
But she said that with no new intelligence to suggest another attack, the threat level to the UK would remain unchanged at “severe”.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has said that the working assumption is that the Westminster attack is linked to Islamic terrorism.
Today detectives and forensic teams continue to work in Westminster removing evidence from the scene of the atrocity.
Flags across the capital are flying at half mast and a minute's silence was held at 9.33am.
TIMELINE OF TERROR
- Lone wolf attacker mowed down crowds of pedestrians in 4x4 on Westminster Bridge
- He then crashed into gate outside Houses of Parliament before stabbing policeman PC Keith Palmer, 48, to death
- Armed cops put Westminster on lockdown as attack brought London to a standstill yesterday afternoon
- Four people died - including the attacker who was shot by police - and 29 are injured, including seven critical
- Eight people arrested today after six raids at addresses in London, Birmingham and elsewhere
- Cops believe they know the identity of the suspect who was inspired by Islamic terrorism
- The Hyundai used to carry out the attack was hired last Thursday in Birmingham, according to Newsnight
- Hero MP Tobias Ellwood attempted to revive PC Palmer but husband and father could not be saved
- Theresa May condemned attack as 'sick and depraved' before holding emergency Cobra meeting
- MPs were locked in House of Commons for five hours
London's Mayor Sadiq Khan announced a candlelit vigil will be held in Trafalgar Square at 6pm as he defiantly said "Londoners will not cower".
The Queen has also released a statement, saying: "My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected by yesterday's awful violence.
"I know I speak for everyone in expressing my enduring thanks and admiration for the members of the Metropolitan Police Service and all who work so selflessly to help and protect others."
The Met’s SO15 counter-terrorist command have said they believe they know the identity of the terrorist fanatic.
Mr Rowley said this morning he added: “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.
“Clearly our investigation is ongoing - developing all the time - and is focused on his motivation, his preparation and associates."
Mr Rowley also reminded the public to be vigilant and report anything that causes concern or raises suspicions to police.
Dramatic pictures yesterday showed the bloodied bodies of victims littering Westminster bridge as heroic bystanders desperately try to save the lives of those "catastrophically" injured.
Among them were MP Tobias Ellwood who gave PC Palmer mouth-to-mouth. Ellwood's brother was killed in the Bali bombings in 2002.
Speaking after the attack London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “London is the greatest city in the world and we stand together in the face of those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life.
"Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism."