One dead after ‘potential terror attack’ on London mosque worshippers

ONE man has died and eight people have been taken to hospital after a white van deliberately hit 11 Muslim worshippers in Finsbury Park, North London.

Police arrested a 48-year-man who was detained at the scene by an angry crowd.

There are unconfirmed reports that two other people were in the van but escaped.

Dozens of police including armed officers are at the scene as tensions rise.

The Met Police said in a statement: “The driver of the van has been taken to hospital as a precaution, and will be taken into custody once discharged. He will also be subject of a mental health assessment in due course.

“A number police units are at, and managing the cordons around, the crime scene, including local officers and those from neighbouring boroughs – supported by armed officers and the Territorial Support Group.

“The investigation of the incident is being carried out by the Counter Terrorism Command.

“At this early stage of this investigation, no other suspects at the scene have been identified or reported to police, however the investigation continues.”

Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that the police were treating it as a potential terrorist attack and said she will chair an emergency COBRA response meeting today.

London Ambulance Service Deputy Director of Operations, Kevin Bate said: “”We were called to the incident at 12.15am (Monday 19 June).

“We have treated eight patients at the scene and taken them to three London hospitals”

“We sent over 60 medics to the scene, including ambulance crews, advance paramedics and specialist responses teams and an advance trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance.

Harun Khan,  general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain, said, “Over the past weeks and months, Muslims have endured many incidents of Islamophobia and this is the most violent manifestation to date.”