In what is turning out to be a shocker of a revelation, it is now clear that the UK authorities never shared any information about the London attacker, Usman Khan, to Pakistani authorities on him being on the watchlist and even after his death the Pakistani authorities were never informed.

Watch Video:

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Khan, 28, was shot on the London bridge on November 29 last year when he tried to stab a group of people. He was an attacker gone rogue, a situation that was immediately responded by armed police.

Usman’s family was asked by the UK authorities on where would they like the burial to be, the family said that they would want the body to be taken back to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) to Khan’s ancestral village where they would be holding his last rites. The body of London attacker was kept by the UK authorities for five days, this while the family of Usman booked their tickets for Pakistan for his burial.

During this course of time, the UK authorities never contacted the Pakistani High Commission in London nor the Pakistani consulate in Birmingham and informed them about Khan’s dual citizenship, the fact that he had a valid secondary citizenship of Pakistan.

The fact that a secondary Pakistani national was shot in a terror-related incident as being the prime accused too was not shared. And lastly, the fact that the body was to travel to Pakistan for burial, the body of a terrorist was to travel to another country and through no diplomatic channel were the Pakistani authorities informed nor kept in the loop.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and UK have multiple information-sharing mechanisms which are not just in place but are functional as well.

<img alt="Usman Khan, 28, was shot on the London bridge when he tried to stab a group of people." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8647d3d5-a9bd-4bf4-8e4f-15bdb43e29d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/125446-untitled-design-4.jpg" />

Investigation by this reporter reveals that Usman Khan’s body came to Pakistan through a PIA flight, the body was booked as "cargo" by a cargo handling company called Swiss Global.

The cargo was booked from Birmingham for Islamabad. The company was responsible for the immigration of Usman Khan’s body/remains as well. At the time of handing over Usman’s body, the staff of Pakistan International Airlines(PIA) was not handed his death certificate but instead was given his NICOP and the “no infection certificate”.

As per PIA’s Standard Operating Procedures(SOP), they looked up at his valid NICOP and the fact that the body was not infectious. It was only after arrival and the body travelLing to his native village Kotli near the Kashmir border, news emerged that the body that was made to travel from PIA’s flight from Birmingham to Islamabad on the December 5 was none other than Usman Khan, the 28-year-old who went rogue.

However, questions remain on how he ended up becoming a terrorist&nbsp;and more importantly, why weren’t authorities alerted on&nbsp;time.

Born in 1991, the London Bridge attacker had travelled to Pakistan at least thrice. An investigation into how Usman Khan’s body made it back to Pakistan and was buried in PoK is what made this reporter get to staggering facts in this case.

Usman Khan first traveled to Pakistan in 2006, this is when he got the National Identification Card for Overseas Pakistanis(NICOP) made which had a validity of 10 years.

He stayed in Pakistan for a period of about 55 days during his maiden visit, this is when his NICOP was made. Usman was&nbsp;a third-generation migrant in the UK. His grandfather initially migrated from PoK to the UK. Usman’s father too was born in PoK but was raised in the UK. Usman, on the other hand, was born and raised in the UK, he had&nbsp;seven siblings.

During his&nbsp;2006 maiden visit, Usman made lesser friends, primarily because of his lack of ability to speak Urdu, one among them was a person who was 12 years elder to him. The same person was arrested alongside him and was sentenced. It is believed that this person was the one who played an important part in radicalizing and indoctrinating Usman.

Khan hails from a Barelvi family, the fraction within the Sunni sect of Islam that is historically and ideologically not inclined towards extremism or terrorism, however, cases of individuals are an exception. Usman was a member of Al Muhajiroon, the face of Islamic State(IS) in the UK which is linked with AQIS.

Usman travelled to Pakistan the second time in 2008, this time on his NICOP, he was in Pakistan for almost a month. It was during this time that he was already under surveillance in the UK for his “suspicious activities”, this as per open source data available on the internet of different news organizations sighting official sources.

No official documentation reflects that Usman being on the radar was shared in time by UK authorities to Pakistan. This reflects the lack of communication within the British system internally and externally both, where they couldn’t locate and track down one of their own despite the individual being back and forth from his country of origin.

The question arises that why was this not done, despite the UK vowing to work with relevant countries to counter the menace of terror, after the 7/7 London attacks.

In 2010, Usman travelled to Pakistan again for a wedding ceremony of his cousin, he was in Pakistan for 17 days. As per sources within the Pakistani dispensation, UK authorities did not put it into Pakistan’s notice once again that somebody on the UK’s watchlist was travelling to Pakistan.

Subsequently, following his return, months later he was arrested by UK authorities along with nine others, one more Pakistani national and eight other Bangladeshis and two years later were sentenced. His arrest and sentence too were kept a secret from Pakistan, the country where he had a secondary citizenship.

In 2017, after his NICOP expired, Usman reapplied for his NICOP. Usman applied for this through the Online NADRA system – as per Pakistani government sources, an inquiry in the matter showed that Usman reapplied for his NICOP online, through the computer system that he had access to during the time he was imprisoned. The question here arises that Khan, 28, was imprisoned in the high security jail, how did he manage to have access to the Internet – a question that has been left unanswered by Pakistan authorities.

The lack of sharing of data of Usman Khan by UK authorities made the obtaining of NICOP by Usman easy on his part and he faced no difficulties while getting his NICOP renewed based on the previous NICOP he already had. As per the 2011 census, there are 1.17 million Pakistani’s who live in the UK.

As per sources close to Usman’s family, the London Bridge attacker was aggrieved by the UK system for being punished harshly, he believed that he “never deserved this harsh of a verdict”.

The family of Usman Khan said that after being released from the prison, he was first living in a government hostel for six months and later shifted to an apartment of his own, away from his family. His expenses were managed by him by saving what he had got from the stipend sent by the UK government.

His family also informed villagers that they were not allowed to see him except for weekends, that too after having informed the police. The police would give them the time slot and a route to take in case if the family wanted to bring him home.

Usman, 28, was buried in his grandfather and father’s village. His body was brought back to Pakistan through a PIA flight.&nbsp;

Usman who was a third-generation migrant to the UK, was born and raised there was eventually buried at the place of his ancestral origin. His body being brought back through a PIA flight is what raised alarm bells.

The lack of sharing of information and timely sharing of information is something that the UK authorities need to introspect, they should also consider countering home-grown terror and let this be a lesson to British officials that curtailing information leads to a catastrophe.

The UK needs to hold people accountable, legislation cannot wash off the deaths and terror that was witnessed in the heart of the city on that&nbsp;fateful day.&nbsp;

Also, Pakistan too cannot be complacent about its nationals.

In what is turning out to be a shocker of a revelation, it is now clear that the UK authorities never shared any information about the London attacker, Usman Khan, to Pakistani authorities on him being on the watchlist and even after his death the Pakistani authorities were never informed.

In what is turning out to be a shocker of a revelation, it is now clear that the UK authorities never shared any information about the London attacker, Usman Khan, to Pakistani authorities on him being on the watchlist and even after his death the Pakistani authorities were never informed. Watch Video: Khan, 28, was shot on the London bridge on November 29 last year when he tried to stab a group of people. He was an attacker gone rogue, a situation that was immediately responded by armed police. Usman’s family was asked by the UK authorities on where would they like the burial to be, the family said that they would want the body to be taken back to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) to Khan’s ancestral village where they would be holding his last rites. The body of London attacker was kept by the UK authorities for five days, this while the family of Usman booked their tickets for Pakistan for his burial. During this course of time, the UK authorities never contacted the Pakistani High Commission in London nor the Pakistani consulate in Birmingham and informed them about Khan’s dual citizenship, the fact that he had a valid secondary citizenship of Pakistan. The fact that a secondary Pakistani national was shot in a terror-related incident as being the prime accused too was not shared. And lastly, the fact that the body was to travel to Pakistan for burial, the body of a terrorist was to travel to another country and through no diplomatic channel were the Pakistani authorities informed nor kept in the loop. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and UK have multiple information-sharing mechanisms which are not just in place but are functional as well. Investigation by this reporter reveals that Usman Khan’s body came to Pakistan through a PIA flight, the body was booked as "cargo" by a cargo handling company called Swiss Global. The cargo was booked from Birmingham for Islamabad. The company was responsible for the immigration of Usman Khan’s body/remains as well. At the time of handing over Usman’s body, the staff of Pakistan International Airlines(PIA) was not handed his death certificate but instead was given his NICOP and the “no infection certificate”. As per PIA’s Standard Operating Procedures(SOP), they looked up at his valid NICOP and the fact that the body was not infectious. It was only after arrival and the body travelLing to his native village Kotli near the Kashmir border, news emerged that the body that was made to travel from PIA’s flight from Birmingham to Islamabad on the December 5 was none other than Usman Khan, the 28-year-old who went rogue. However, questions remain on how he ended up becoming a terrorist and more importantly, why weren’t authorities alerted on time. Born in 1991, the London Bridge attacker had travelled to Pakistan at least thrice. An investigation into how Usman Khan’s body made it back to Pakistan and was buried in PoK is what made this reporter get to staggering facts in this case. Usman Khan first traveled to Pakistan in 2006, this is when he got the National Identification Card for Overseas Pakistanis(NICOP) made which had a validity of 10 years. He stayed in Pakistan for a period of about 55 days during his maiden visit, this is when his NICOP was made. Usman was a third-generation migrant in the UK. His grandfather initially migrated from PoK to the UK. Usman’s father too was born in PoK but was raised in the UK. Usman, on the other hand, was born and raised in the UK, he had seven siblings. During his 2006 maiden visit, Usman made lesser friends, primarily because of his lack of ability to speak Urdu, one among them was a person who was 12 years elder to him. The same person was arrested alongside him and was sentenced. It is believed that this person was the one who played an important part in radicalizing and indoctrinating Usman. Khan hails from a Barelvi family, the fraction within the Sunni sect of Islam that is historically and ideologically not inclined towards extremism or terrorism, however, cases of individuals are an exception. Usman was a member of Al Muhajiroon, the face of Islamic State(IS) in the UK which is linked with AQIS. Usman travelled to Pakistan the second time in 2008, this time on his NICOP, he was in Pakistan for almost a month. It was during this time that he was already under surveillance in the UK for his “suspicious activities”, this as per open source data available on the internet of different news organizations sighting official sources. No official documentation reflects that Usman being on the radar was shared in time by UK authorities to Pakistan. This reflects the lack of communication within the British system internally and externally both, where they couldn’t locate and track down one of their own despite the individual being back and forth from his country of origin. The question arises that why was this not done, despite the UK vowing to work with relevant countries to counter the menace of terror, after the 7/7 London attacks. In 2010, Usman travelled to Pakistan again for a wedding ceremony of his cousin, he was in Pakistan for 17 days. As per sources within the Pakistani dispensation, UK authorities did not put it into Pakistan’s notice once again that somebody on the UK’s watchlist was travelling to Pakistan. Subsequently, following his return, months later he was arrested by UK authorities along with nine others, one more Pakistani national and eight other Bangladeshis and two years later were sentenced. His arrest and sentence too were kept a secret from Pakistan, the country where he had a secondary citizenship. In 2017, after his NICOP expired, Usman reapplied for his NICOP. Usman applied for this through the Online NADRA system – as per Pakistani government sources, an inquiry in the matter showed that Usman reapplied for his NICOP online, through the computer system that he had access to during the time he was imprisoned. The question here arises that Khan, 28, was imprisoned in the high security jail, how did he manage to have access to the Internet – a question that has been left unanswered by Pakistan authorities. The lack of sharing of data of Usman Khan by UK authorities made the obtaining of NICOP by Usman easy on his part and he faced no difficulties while getting his NICOP renewed based on the previous NICOP he already had. As per the 2011 census, there are 1.17 million Pakistani’s who live in the UK. As per sources close to Usman’s family, the London Bridge attacker was aggrieved by the UK system for being punished harshly, he believed that he “never deserved this harsh of a verdict”. The family of Usman Khan said that after being released from the prison, he was first living in a government hostel for six months and later shifted to an apartment of his own, away from his family. His expenses were managed by him by saving what he had got from the stipend sent by the UK government. His family also informed villagers that they were not allowed to see him except for weekends, that too after having informed the police. The police would give them the time slot and a route to take in case if the family wanted to bring him home. Usman, 28, was buried in his grandfather and father’s village. His body was brought back to Pakistan through a PIA flight. Usman who was a third-generation migrant to the UK, was born and raised there was eventually buried at the place of his ancestral origin. His body being brought back through a PIA flight is what raised alarm bells. The lack of sharing of information and timely sharing of information is something that the UK authorities need to introspect, they should also consider countering home-grown terror and let this be a lesson to British officials that curtailing information leads to a catastrophe. The UK needs to hold people accountable, legislation cannot wash off the deaths and terror that was witnessed in the heart of the city on that fateful day. Also, Pakistan too cannot be complacent about its nationals.

UK failed to share details of London Bridge attacker Usman Khan as Pak remained complacent

Britain will&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;tougher&nbsp;jail&nbsp;sentences for&nbsp;convicted&nbsp;terrorists&nbsp;and will end early release as part of a series of measures to strengthen its response to terrorism, the government said on Tuesday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britons-trust-in-institutions-falls-to-record-low-edelman-275399">Britons' trust in institutions falls to record low: Edelman</a>

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../prince-harry-leaves-for-canada-in-symbolic- departure-reports-275597">Boris Johnson</a> pledged to make changes&nbsp;after&nbsp;an&nbsp;attack&nbsp;near&nbsp;London&nbsp;Bridge&nbsp;in November in which Usman Khan, a&nbsp;convicted&nbsp;terrorist who had been released early from prison, killed two people.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-protesters-besiege-pak-dailys-office-over-london-attack-suspects-reporting-266790">Pakistan: Protesters besiege Pak daily's office over London attack suspect's reporting</a>

Khan had been sentenced to a minimum of eight years in prison in 2012 with a requirement that the parole board assess his danger to the public before release. He was set free in December 2018 without such an assessment.

"The senseless terror&nbsp;attack&nbsp;at Fishmongers' Hall in November confronted us with some hard truths about how we deal with terrorist offenders," interior minister Priti Patel said in a statement.

The government, elected in December, said it would&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;new counter-terrorism legislation within its first 100 days which would force dangerous offenders who receive extended determinate sentences to serve the whole time in&nbsp;jail.

Those&nbsp;convicted&nbsp;of offences such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation would face a minimum of 14 years in prison, the government said, adding that it would also review how terror offenders are managed when they are released.

The father of one of Khan's victims, Jack Merritt, a 25-year-old who had worked on a prisoner rehabilitation scheme, said at the time his son would have been upset to see his death used to justify&nbsp;tougher&nbsp;penalties.

Britain will introduce tougher jail sentences for convicted terrorists and will end early release as part of a series of measures to strengthen its response to terrorism, the government said on Tuesday.

Britain will introduce tougher jail sentences for convicted terrorists and will end early release as part of a series of measures to strengthen its response to terrorism, the government said on Tuesday. Also read- Britons' trust in institutions falls to record low: Edelman Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to make changes after an attack near London Bridge in November in which Usman Khan, a convicted terrorist who had been released early from prison, killed two people. Also read- Pakistan: Protesters besiege Pak daily's office over London attack suspect's reporting Khan had been sentenced to a minimum of eight years in prison in 2012 with a requirement that the parole board assess his danger to the public before release. He was set free in December 2018 without such an assessment. "The senseless terror attack at Fishmongers' Hall in November confronted us with some hard truths about how we deal with terrorist offenders," interior minister Priti Patel said in a statement. The government, elected in December, said it would introduce new counter-terrorism legislation within its first 100 days which would force dangerous offenders who receive extended determinate sentences to serve the whole time in jail. Those convicted of offences such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation would face a minimum of 14 years in prison, the government said, adding that it would also review how terror offenders are managed when they are released. The father of one of Khan's victims, Jack Merritt, a 25-year-old who had worked on a prisoner rehabilitation scheme, said at the time his son would have been upset to see his death used to justify tougher penalties.

UK to introduce tougher jail terms for convicted terrorists after London Bridge attack

People protesting against Dawn for reporting that the London attack`s suspect was a Pakistani national on Friday again besieged the newspaper`s Islamabad bureau, the second incident in a week.

According to Dawn, around 100 people arrived in vans and gathered outside the office and chanted slogans against the media group and set copies of the newspaper on fire.

"Yet another orchestrated demo against Dawn outside its office in Islamabad," tweeted Dawn Editor Zaffar Abbas.

"Same lot, threatening tone, bigger in number and have blocked the entrance. We have informed police and have told them it's their duty to protect our staff and property. Let's hope someone from govt will intervene!!"

"They have just dispersed after burning some copies of Dawn," Abbas said.

"Everyone has a right to protest as long as they are not violent."

The International Press Institute (IPI), in a statement, condemned the "threatening demonstrations", saying,&nbsp;"Dawn is a bastion of independent journalism and Pakistan must guarantee the safety of its journalists."

The new protest comes hours after Pakistan's Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights directed Islamabad police to look into the siege on Monday of Dawn's Islamabad offices.

The protests against Dawn started on Monday after the newspaper reported that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin.

Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin.

People protesting against Dawn for reporting that the London attack`s suspect was a Pakistani national on Friday again besieged the newspaper`s Islamabad bureau, the second incident in a week.

People protesting against Dawn for reporting that the London attack`s suspect was a Pakistani national on Friday again besieged the newspaper`s Islamabad bureau, the second incident in a week. According to Dawn, around 100 people arrived in vans and gathered outside the office and chanted slogans against the media group and set copies of the newspaper on fire. "Yet another orchestrated demo against Dawn outside its office in Islamabad," tweeted Dawn Editor Zaffar Abbas. "Same lot, threatening tone, bigger in number and have blocked the entrance. We have informed police and have told them it's their duty to protect our staff and property. Let's hope someone from govt will intervene!!" "They have just dispersed after burning some copies of Dawn," Abbas said. "Everyone has a right to protest as long as they are not violent." The International Press Institute (IPI), in a statement, condemned the "threatening demonstrations", saying, "Dawn is a bastion of independent journalism and Pakistan must guarantee the safety of its journalists." The new protest comes hours after Pakistan's Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights directed Islamabad police to look into the siege on Monday of Dawn's Islamabad offices. The protests against Dawn started on Monday after the newspaper reported that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin. Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin.

Pakistan: Protesters besiege Pak daily's office over London attack suspect's reporting

Journalists from across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-hits-9-year-high-in-pakistan-266392">Pakistan</a> held protests on Thursday against the siege of offices of Dawn newspaper by a mob earlier this week.

Unknown people on Monday had staged demonstrations outside Islamabad office of Dawn for reporting that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lessons-on-terrorism-and-rehabilitation-from-the-london-bridge-attack-265719">London Bridge attacker</a> was of Pakistani origin. Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin.

The angry mob had staged a protest outside the office of Dawn and chanted slogans against the newspaper. They besieged the newspaper premises for several hours and did not allow the employees to enter or leave the building, reported Dawn.

On Tuesday, people also protested outside the Karachi Press Club against Dawn. They threatened to besiege the offices of the media group if "prompt action was not taken against the management and outlets of the organisation for publishing false news."

Condemning these acts, Thursday's protests by journalists occurred in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. Addressing the Karachi protest, Dawn's Editor Zaffar Abbas said that "one by one, all of the media organisations are being suppressed" and called on all media houses to come together and remain united at such a time.

"When Geo is attacked, we remain quiet. When Dawn is attacked, most of us, again, remain quiet. When the distribution of Jang newspaper and The News is prevented, others seek to take advantage of the situation," he added.

Abbas said that the circulation of Dawn was also being stopped in certain cities once more.

"We must understand, the editors as well as the owners, that when someone views it as an opportunity to cash in on greater sales in such times, then what has happened with us can happen with them too. That's why we all need to stand together," he said.

Journalists from across Pakistan held protests on Thursday against the siege of offices of Dawn newspaper by a mob earlier this week. Unknown people on Monday had staged demonstrations outside Islamabad office of Dawn for reporting that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin.

Journalists from across Pakistan held protests on Thursday against the siege of offices of Dawn newspaper by a mob earlier this week. Unknown people on Monday had staged demonstrations outside Islamabad office of Dawn for reporting that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin. Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin. The angry mob had staged a protest outside the office of Dawn and chanted slogans against the newspaper. They besieged the newspaper premises for several hours and did not allow the employees to enter or leave the building, reported Dawn. On Tuesday, people also protested outside the Karachi Press Club against Dawn. They threatened to besiege the offices of the media group if "prompt action was not taken against the management and outlets of the organisation for publishing false news." Condemning these acts, Thursday's protests by journalists occurred in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. Addressing the Karachi protest, Dawn's Editor Zaffar Abbas said that "one by one, all of the media organisations are being suppressed" and called on all media houses to come together and remain united at such a time. "When Geo is attacked, we remain quiet. When Dawn is attacked, most of us, again, remain quiet. When the distribution of Jang newspaper and The News is prevented, others seek to take advantage of the situation," he added. Abbas said that the circulation of Dawn was also being stopped in certain cities once more. "We must understand, the editors as well as the owners, that when someone views it as an opportunity to cash in on greater sales in such times, then what has happened with us can happen with them too. That's why we all need to stand together," he said.

Pakistan: Journalists hold protests, condemn act of laying siege to newspaper's office

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday he had ordered the security services to step up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, prompting accusations that he was exploiting the London Bridge attack for political gain less than two weeks before elections.

The prime minister revealed officials were scrutinising around 74 people with terrorist convictions who had been released early from prison-like Usman Khan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage.

"They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson said.

"We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours."

Under the review of released terror convicts, police in the West Midlands said they had arrested a 34-year-old man "on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts".

British media said he was a former associate of the London Bridge attacker and had been jailed alongside Khan in 2012 over a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange.

Police said, however, there was no information to suggest a link to Friday's attack.

Khan, 28, was shot dead wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree launched in a nearby hall hosting an ex-offenders' event that also left three people injured.

Police on Sunday formally named the two victims killed as Jack Merritt, 25, from Cambridgeshire in eastern England, and 23-year-old Saskia Jones of Warwickshire in the West Midlands.

PM vows to stiffen sentences

Johnson blamed the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners and vowed to introduce minimum 14-year sentences if he regains power in the December 12 vote.

He penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror".

Critics hit out at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the family of victim Jack Merritt, who said he died "doing what he loved".

While Johnson has vowed to stiffen sentences following the attack, Merritt's family said their son "believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge" and that "he always took the side of the underdog".

"We know Jack would not want this terrible, isolated incident to be used as a pretext by the government for introducing even more draconian sentences on prisoners, or for detaining people in prison for longer than necessary," they said in a statement.

Merritt was a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, which was hosting its event by London Bridge to mark five years of its prisoner rehabilitation programme.

Khan, a participant in the initiative during his imprisonment, attended the event armed with two knives, stabbing five people there.

Meanwhile, hospital officials said one of the injured had returned home, while the two others remained hospitalised in a stable condition.

Members of the public have been hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling Khan -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher.

The incident came two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48.

'Knee-jerk reactions'

After searching on Saturday two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, police have said they believe he was acting alone and were not seeking anybody else.

But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012 of at least eight years in prison.

He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda which had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release.

He was then conditionally released from jail around a year ago under so-called licensing conditions after serving about half of his jail term.

Responding to the political furore around the attack, Merritt's father David said: "We don't need knee-jerk reactions."

"It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, &amp; rehabilitation services," he said on Twitter.

That is also the view of the main opposition Labour Party, which noted that the Conservatives have been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing.

"I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday he had ordered the security services to step up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, prompting accusations that he was exploiting the London Bridge attack for political gain less than two weeks before elections.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday he had ordered the security services to step up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, prompting accusations that he was exploiting the London Bridge attack for political gain less than two weeks before elections. The prime minister revealed officials were scrutinising around 74 people with terrorist convictions who had been released early from prison-like Usman Khan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage. "They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson said. "We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours." Under the review of released terror convicts, police in the West Midlands said they had arrested a 34-year-old man "on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts". British media said he was a former associate of the London Bridge attacker and had been jailed alongside Khan in 2012 over a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange. Police said, however, there was no information to suggest a link to Friday's attack. Khan, 28, was shot dead wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree launched in a nearby hall hosting an ex-offenders' event that also left three people injured. Police on Sunday formally named the two victims killed as Jack Merritt, 25, from Cambridgeshire in eastern England, and 23-year-old Saskia Jones of Warwickshire in the West Midlands. PM vows to stiffen sentences Johnson blamed the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners and vowed to introduce minimum 14-year sentences if he regains power in the December 12 vote. He penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror". Critics hit out at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the family of victim Jack Merritt, who said he died "doing what he loved". While Johnson has vowed to stiffen sentences following the attack, Merritt's family said their son "believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge" and that "he always took the side of the underdog". "We know Jack would not want this terrible, isolated incident to be used as a pretext by the government for introducing even more draconian sentences on prisoners, or for detaining people in prison for longer than necessary," they said in a statement. Merritt was a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, which was hosting its event by London Bridge to mark five years of its prisoner rehabilitation programme. Khan, a participant in the initiative during his imprisonment, attended the event armed with two knives, stabbing five people there. Meanwhile, hospital officials said one of the injured had returned home, while the two others remained hospitalised in a stable condition. Members of the public have been hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling Khan -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher. The incident came two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48. 'Knee-jerk reactions' After searching on Saturday two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, police have said they believe he was acting alone and were not seeking anybody else. But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012 of at least eight years in prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda which had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release. He was then conditionally released from jail around a year ago under so-called licensing conditions after serving about half of his jail term. Responding to the political furore around the attack, Merritt's father David said: "We don't need knee-jerk reactions." "It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, & rehabilitation services," he said on Twitter. That is also the view of the main opposition Labour Party, which noted that the Conservatives have been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing. "I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News.

Terror checks intensify as London attack enters election fray

By Greg Barton

Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges?

These are questions not just for Great Britain, in the wake of the second London Bridge attack over the weekend, but for the entire world, including Australia and its near neighbours.

There are no easy answers and no simple options. As the numbers of people detained and eventually released on terrorism charges mount up around the world, so too does the question of what to do with them. Politicians find it easy to speak in terms of “lock them up and throw away the key”. But our legal systems don’t allow this and the results, even if allowed, would almost certainly be worse.

Some answers, and some difficult questions, can be found in the lives of four participants in Saturday’s tragic drama in London: Jack Merritt, Saskia Jones, Marc Conway and James Ford.

All four were participating in an event organised to reflect on the first five years of the University of Cambridge’s Learning Together programme. Merritt was a young graduate who was helping coordinate the program. Jones was a volunteer in the programme. Tragically, their idealism and desire to give back to society saw them lose their lives to a man whom they thought they had been able to help.

Merritt’s father told the media, "Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog.

In her tribute to her murdered daughter, Jones’s mother said, " Saskia had a great passion for providing invaluable support to victims of criminal injustice, which led her to the point of recently applying for the police graduate recruitment programme, wishing to specialise in victim support."

Jones, 23, and Merritt, 25, were both Cambridge University graduates working at the Learning Together programme. They lost their lives to a knife-wielding terrorist murderer who does not deserve to have his name remembered. Their 28-year-old assailant had been released from prison 12 months earlier, having served but eight years of a 16 year sentence.

In a catastrophic system-failure, his automatic release was processed without his case ever being reviewed by a parole board, despite the sentencing judge identifying him as a serious risk who should only ever be released after careful review. He had gamed the system, presenting himself as repentant and reformed.

In fact, he had never undergone a rehabilitation program in prison and only had cursory processing on his release. Systemic mistakes and the lack of resources to fund sufficient and appropriate rehabilitation programs meant he was one of many whose risk was never adequately assessed.

Conway had formerly served time at a London prison and is now working as a policy officer at the Prison Reform Trust. He witnessed the fatal attack and rushed directly towards the attacker, joining others who sought to pin him down.

Another man participating in the offender rehabilitation event was James Ford. He too saw the attack unfolding and immediately confronted the assailant.

In a deeply tragic irony, the two victims who lost their lives to a man who made a mockery of their idealism were assisted by two others who appear to have genuinely benefited from prison rehabilitation programs. But even here, the complexities and ambiguities of this sort of difficult endeavour were played out as clearly as any playwright could ever conceive of scripting.

Ford was a convicted murderer attending the Learning Together conference on day-release. He had brutally killed 21-year-old Amanda Campion, a young women who was particularly vulnerable because of her intellectual disability. In the eyes of Campion’s family, Ford is no hero.

However, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University David Wilson, who chairs the Friends of Grendon Prison program, says that Ford underwent extensive rehabilitation initiatives, including an intensive period of psychotherapy.

On this occasion, the convicted murderer did the right thing. Even though this doesn’t make him a hero, it does give some reason for hope. For Wilson, the murderous terrorist and the convicted murderer who rushed to contain him represent a tale of two prisoners:

I know through my work that people do change and they change as a consequence of innovative but challenging regimes such as the one at HMP Grendon.

In the wake of the attack, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the cases of 74 people released early after being jailed for terror offences will be reviewed. This is certainly sensible and necessary, but much more is required. Indefinite detention is not an option in the majority of cases, and the UK is dealing with hundreds of people convicted of terrorism offences either currently in prison or recently released.&nbsp;

The numbers in Australia are only a fraction of this but still run into the high dozens and are growing every year. For Australia’s near neighbours, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the numbers, including projected returnees from the Middle East, run into the thousands.

Professor Ian Acheson, who has advised the government on how to handle extremist prisoners, told the BBC it was not “a question of an arms race on sentencing toughness”, but about what is done when offenders are in custody.

Acheson said his panel’s recommendations had been agreed to but not implemented due to “the merry-go-round of political replacements of secretaries of state”, and the “fairly recalcitrant and unwilling bureaucracy”. He also cited “crazy failed and ideological austerity cuts” to the police, prison and probation services. 
 
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47225797 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/02/criminals-going-unpunished-because-of-cuts-says-police-chief https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/28/britains-police-chiefs-leader-sara-thornton-says-she-wants-end-to-blame-culture

Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were not naïve idealists. They had studied the problem closely and believed rehabilitation programmes could make a difference. Their tragic deaths speak to the challenges involved. To give up and do nothing is not merely cynical, but self-defeating. Without adequate resourcing and reforms the problem everywhere will only become much worse.

 
(Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-on-terrorism-and-rehabilitation-from-the-london-bridge-attack-128108"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Greg Barton Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges?

By Greg Barton Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges? These are questions not just for Great Britain, in the wake of the second London Bridge attack over the weekend, but for the entire world, including Australia and its near neighbours. There are no easy answers and no simple options. As the numbers of people detained and eventually released on terrorism charges mount up around the world, so too does the question of what to do with them. Politicians find it easy to speak in terms of “lock them up and throw away the key”. But our legal systems don’t allow this and the results, even if allowed, would almost certainly be worse. Some answers, and some difficult questions, can be found in the lives of four participants in Saturday’s tragic drama in London: Jack Merritt, Saskia Jones, Marc Conway and James Ford. All four were participating in an event organised to reflect on the first five years of the University of Cambridge’s Learning Together programme. Merritt was a young graduate who was helping coordinate the program. Jones was a volunteer in the programme. Tragically, their idealism and desire to give back to society saw them lose their lives to a man whom they thought they had been able to help. Merritt’s father told the media, "Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog. In her tribute to her murdered daughter, Jones’s mother said, " Saskia had a great passion for providing invaluable support to victims of criminal injustice, which led her to the point of recently applying for the police graduate recruitment programme, wishing to specialise in victim support." Jones, 23, and Merritt, 25, were both Cambridge University graduates working at the Learning Together programme. They lost their lives to a knife-wielding terrorist murderer who does not deserve to have his name remembered. Their 28-year-old assailant had been released from prison 12 months earlier, having served but eight years of a 16 year sentence. In a catastrophic system-failure, his automatic release was processed without his case ever being reviewed by a parole board, despite the sentencing judge identifying him as a serious risk who should only ever be released after careful review. He had gamed the system, presenting himself as repentant and reformed. In fact, he had never undergone a rehabilitation program in prison and only had cursory processing on his release. Systemic mistakes and the lack of resources to fund sufficient and appropriate rehabilitation programs meant he was one of many whose risk was never adequately assessed. Conway had formerly served time at a London prison and is now working as a policy officer at the Prison Reform Trust. He witnessed the fatal attack and rushed directly towards the attacker, joining others who sought to pin him down. Another man participating in the offender rehabilitation event was James Ford. He too saw the attack unfolding and immediately confronted the assailant. In a deeply tragic irony, the two victims who lost their lives to a man who made a mockery of their idealism were assisted by two others who appear to have genuinely benefited from prison rehabilitation programs. But even here, the complexities and ambiguities of this sort of difficult endeavour were played out as clearly as any playwright could ever conceive of scripting. Ford was a convicted murderer attending the Learning Together conference on day-release. He had brutally killed 21-year-old Amanda Campion, a young women who was particularly vulnerable because of her intellectual disability. In the eyes of Campion’s family, Ford is no hero. However, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University David Wilson, who chairs the Friends of Grendon Prison program, says that Ford underwent extensive rehabilitation initiatives, including an intensive period of psychotherapy. On this occasion, the convicted murderer did the right thing. Even though this doesn’t make him a hero, it does give some reason for hope. For Wilson, the murderous terrorist and the convicted murderer who rushed to contain him represent a tale of two prisoners: I know through my work that people do change and they change as a consequence of innovative but challenging regimes such as the one at HMP Grendon. In the wake of the attack, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the cases of 74 people released early after being jailed for terror offences will be reviewed. This is certainly sensible and necessary, but much more is required. Indefinite detention is not an option in the majority of cases, and the UK is dealing with hundreds of people convicted of terrorism offences either currently in prison or recently released. The numbers in Australia are only a fraction of this but still run into the high dozens and are growing every year. For Australia’s near neighbours, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the numbers, including projected returnees from the Middle East, run into the thousands. Professor Ian Acheson, who has advised the government on how to handle extremist prisoners, told the BBC it was not “a question of an arms race on sentencing toughness”, but about what is done when offenders are in custody. Acheson said his panel’s recommendations had been agreed to but not implemented due to “the merry-go-round of political replacements of secretaries of state”, and the “fairly recalcitrant and unwilling bureaucracy”. He also cited “crazy failed and ideological austerity cuts” to the police, prison and probation services. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47225797 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/02/criminals-going-unpunished-because-of-cuts-says-police-chief https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/28/britains-police-chiefs-leader-sara-thornton-says-she-wants-end-to-blame-culture Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were not naïve idealists. They had studied the problem closely and believed rehabilitation programmes could make a difference. Their tragic deaths speak to the challenges involved. To give up and do nothing is not merely cynical, but self-defeating. Without adequate resourcing and reforms the problem everywhere will only become much worse. (Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Lessons on terrorism and rehabilitation from the London Bridge attack

UK police confirms that no one else was involved in the London Bridge knife attack that claimed the lives of two people.

London Bridge attack: UK PM Boris Johnson visits attack site

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday the security services were stepping up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, as the London Bridge attack became embroiled in the election campaign.

The prime minister revealed around 74 people with terrorist convictions had been released early from prison in a similar way to Usman Kan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage.

"They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson told the BBC in an interview.

"We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours," he said, adding he would not provide "operation details".

Khan, 28, was shot dead while wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree that also injured three people launched at a nearby prisoner rehabilitation event he was attending.

Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling him -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher.

The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48.

Police, who on Saturday searched two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, have said they believe he was acting alone and are not seeking anybody else.

But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

'Keep you safe'

Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison.

He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release.

He had then been conditionally released from jail last December under so-called licensing conditions after serving around half of his jail term.

Khan has become a contentious political issue ahead of Britain's December 12 election, with Johnson blaming the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners.

The Tory leader has vowed that if he reclaims power this month he will end early release for terrorist offences and introduce minimum 14-year sentences, with some convicted never to be released.&nbsp;

The proposals were not in the Conservatives' formal manifesto released last Sunday.

Johnson penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror".

'Knee-jerk reactions'

Critics have hit out fiercely at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the father of the first-named victim.

David Merritt confirmed on Twitter the death of his son Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at the Cambridge University's criminology institute which was hosting the event targeted by Khan.

He described his 25-year-old son as "a beautiful spirit who always took the side of the underdog", in a series of messages that also responded to the political furore around the attack.&nbsp;

"We don't need knee-jerk reactions," Merritt wrote.&nbsp;

"It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, &amp; rehabilitation services," he added.

"Since 2010 these service(s) have been cut to the bone. We are all less safe as a result."

Meanwhile, Johnson's political opponents noted his Conservative Party has been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing.&nbsp;

They have also argued changes to sentencing laws introduced in the 1990s under the Conservatives also contributed to the early release system.

"I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News.

He would not commit to ending early release in all scenarios for terrorism offences.

"I think it depends on the circumstances and it depends on the sentence but crucially depends on what they've done in prison," Corbyn said.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday the security services were stepping up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, as the London Bridge attack became embroiled in the election campaign.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday the security services were stepping up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, as the London Bridge attack became embroiled in the election campaign. The prime minister revealed around 74 people with terrorist convictions had been released early from prison in a similar way to Usman Kan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage. "They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson told the BBC in an interview. "We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours," he said, adding he would not provide "operation details". Khan, 28, was shot dead while wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree that also injured three people launched at a nearby prisoner rehabilitation event he was attending. Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling him -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher. The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48. Police, who on Saturday searched two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, have said they believe he was acting alone and are not seeking anybody else. But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. 'Keep you safe' Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release. He had then been conditionally released from jail last December under so-called licensing conditions after serving around half of his jail term. Khan has become a contentious political issue ahead of Britain's December 12 election, with Johnson blaming the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners. The Tory leader has vowed that if he reclaims power this month he will end early release for terrorist offences and introduce minimum 14-year sentences, with some convicted never to be released. The proposals were not in the Conservatives' formal manifesto released last Sunday. Johnson penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror". 'Knee-jerk reactions' Critics have hit out fiercely at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the father of the first-named victim. David Merritt confirmed on Twitter the death of his son Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at the Cambridge University's criminology institute which was hosting the event targeted by Khan. He described his 25-year-old son as "a beautiful spirit who always took the side of the underdog", in a series of messages that also responded to the political furore around the attack. "We don't need knee-jerk reactions," Merritt wrote. "It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, & rehabilitation services," he added. "Since 2010 these service(s) have been cut to the bone. We are all less safe as a result." Meanwhile, Johnson's political opponents noted his Conservative Party has been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing. They have also argued changes to sentencing laws introduced in the 1990s under the Conservatives also contributed to the early release system. "I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News. He would not commit to ending early release in all scenarios for terrorism offences. "I think it depends on the circumstances and it depends on the sentence but crucially depends on what they've done in prison," Corbyn said.

Terror checks intensified as London attack enters election fray

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vows-review-as-convicted-terrorist-named-in-london-attack-265475">review Britain's sentencing system </a>after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-knife-attack-suspect-was-ex-terror-convict-police-265330">London Bridge </a>attack.

Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-suspect-was-planning-to-go-to-pakistan-for-terrorist-training-police-265412">Usman Khan </a>-- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher -- before police shot him dead.

Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man, reportedly a Polish chef, wielding the tusk -- believed to have been grabbed from the historic hall where the stabbings began -- as another person sprayed him with the extinguisher.

Khan had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year prison sentence for terrorism and was wearing a fake explosive device.

On Saturday, the Islamic State group released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

"The person who carried out the London attack... was a fighter from the Islamic State, and did so in response to calls to target citizens of coalition countries," IS said, referring to a multi-country alliance against the group.

The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market.

On that occasion, eight people were killed and 48 wounded before the three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police.

'Investigate fully'&nbsp;

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said five people had been stabbed inside Fishmonger's Hall by London Bridge before members of the public pursued the attacker. The three survivors remain in the hospital.

Basu added that Khan had been released under "an extensive list of license conditions" with which he had previously been complying.

Police on Saturday searched two properties in Stoke-on-Trent, Khan's home city, and Stafford in central England.

The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election and thrust the issue of terrorism into the heart of the campaign.

Johnson pledged to introduce minimum 14-year sentences for serious terrorist offences, while some convicted might never be released, and to scrap early release if he wins a majority.&nbsp;

"It's absolutely clear that we can't carry on with the failed approaches of the past," said Johnson, who became leader of the Conservative Party -- which has been in power since 2010 -- in July.

He also spoke to US President Donald Trump Saturday, who "expressed his condolences" over the attack, according to the White House.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared to raise doubts about the Tories' handling of the parole and wider justice system in light of the attack.

"We need to investigate fully the way all aspects of the criminal justice system operate," he said, branding the London Bridge incident "a complete disaster".

'Human spirit'&nbsp;

The first victim of the attack was named as Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, according to media reports.

The institute hosted a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building on the north side of the bridge. Khan attended the event reportedly armed with two knives and the fake suicide vest.

As the confrontation moved from inside the hall to the pavement outside, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan.

They reportedly included a convicted killer on day-release from prison and other ex-offenders also attending the criminology gathering.

A British Transport Police officer in a suit and tie who also intervened was seen carrying a large knife away.

"As we saw the worst of human kind, we saw the very best of human spirit and London," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Saturday as she visited London Bridge.&nbsp;

'Enduring thanks'&nbsp;

Khan, a British national, was handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison.

He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release.

Inmates are usually released half-way through this type of determinate sentence -- and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account.

The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law.

Johnson said the cases of other convicted terrorists released early were under urgent review.

The Ministry of Justice is reportedly reviewing the licence conditions of every convicted terrorist released from prison, which is understood to be around 70 people.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to review Britain's sentencing system after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a London Bridge attack.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to review Britain's sentencing system after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a London Bridge attack. Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling Usman Khan -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher -- before police shot him dead. Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man, reportedly a Polish chef, wielding the tusk -- believed to have been grabbed from the historic hall where the stabbings began -- as another person sprayed him with the extinguisher. Khan had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year prison sentence for terrorism and was wearing a fake explosive device. On Saturday, the Islamic State group released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. "The person who carried out the London attack... was a fighter from the Islamic State, and did so in response to calls to target citizens of coalition countries," IS said, referring to a multi-country alliance against the group. The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market. On that occasion, eight people were killed and 48 wounded before the three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police. 'Investigate fully' Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said five people had been stabbed inside Fishmonger's Hall by London Bridge before members of the public pursued the attacker. The three survivors remain in the hospital. Basu added that Khan had been released under "an extensive list of license conditions" with which he had previously been complying. Police on Saturday searched two properties in Stoke-on-Trent, Khan's home city, and Stafford in central England. The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election and thrust the issue of terrorism into the heart of the campaign. Johnson pledged to introduce minimum 14-year sentences for serious terrorist offences, while some convicted might never be released, and to scrap early release if he wins a majority. "It's absolutely clear that we can't carry on with the failed approaches of the past," said Johnson, who became leader of the Conservative Party -- which has been in power since 2010 -- in July. He also spoke to US President Donald Trump Saturday, who "expressed his condolences" over the attack, according to the White House. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared to raise doubts about the Tories' handling of the parole and wider justice system in light of the attack. "We need to investigate fully the way all aspects of the criminal justice system operate," he said, branding the London Bridge incident "a complete disaster". 'Human spirit' The first victim of the attack was named as Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, according to media reports. The institute hosted a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building on the north side of the bridge. Khan attended the event reportedly armed with two knives and the fake suicide vest. As the confrontation moved from inside the hall to the pavement outside, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan. They reportedly included a convicted killer on day-release from prison and other ex-offenders also attending the criminology gathering. A British Transport Police officer in a suit and tie who also intervened was seen carrying a large knife away. "As we saw the worst of human kind, we saw the very best of human spirit and London," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Saturday as she visited London Bridge. 'Enduring thanks' Khan, a British national, was handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release. Inmates are usually released half-way through this type of determinate sentence -- and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account. The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law. Johnson said the cases of other convicted terrorists released early were under urgent review. The Ministry of Justice is reportedly reviewing the licence conditions of every convicted terrorist released from prison, which is understood to be around 70 people.

UK's Johnson vows to act as convicted terrorist named in London Bridge attack

Convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party said on Sunday, after a man freed early from a terrorism sentence killed two people in London.

Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, went on the rampage at a conference on criminal rehabilitation beside London Bridge on Friday. The 28-year old Briton was wrestled to the ground by bystanders and shot dead by police.

Police said Khan had previously been convicted of terrorism offences but was freed early from prison.

The attack propelled law and order to the top of the political agenda less than two weeks before a national election.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News that a person convicted of terrorism offences should "not necessarily" serve their full sentence.

"It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he said.

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab suggested a Conservative government would strengthen sentencing measures and end the practice where serious offenders can be automatically let out of prison early.

"We've said we would expect for the serious terrorist offences a minimum 14-year sentence," Raab told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday.

"We don't think that it is the case that they should all necessarily be released, we think for some offences they should be imprisoned for life, and we also think that terrorist offenders should serve their full sentence."

Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said the police had no choice but to shoot the attacker.

"I think they had no choice. They were stuck with a situation where there was a credible threat of a bomb belt around his body and it's an awful situation for any police officer, any public servant to be put in," Corbyn said. 
&nbsp;

Convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party said on Sunday, after a man freed early from a terrorism sentence killed two people in London.

Convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party said on Sunday, after a man freed early from a terrorism sentence killed two people in London. Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, went on the rampage at a conference on criminal rehabilitation beside London Bridge on Friday. The 28-year old Briton was wrestled to the ground by bystanders and shot dead by police. Police said Khan had previously been convicted of terrorism offences but was freed early from prison. The attack propelled law and order to the top of the political agenda less than two weeks before a national election. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News that a person convicted of terrorism offences should "not necessarily" serve their full sentence. "It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he said. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab suggested a Conservative government would strengthen sentencing measures and end the practice where serious offenders can be automatically let out of prison early. "We've said we would expect for the serious terrorist offences a minimum 14-year sentence," Raab told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday. "We don't think that it is the case that they should all necessarily be released, we think for some offences they should be imprisoned for life, and we also think that terrorist offenders should serve their full sentence." Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said the police had no choice but to shoot the attacker. "I think they had no choice. They were stuck with a situation where there was a credible threat of a bomb belt around his body and it's an awful situation for any police officer, any public servant to be put in," Corbyn said.

London bridge attack: Corbyn says convicted terrorists  should 'not necessarily' serve full sentence

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-suspect-was-planning-to-go-to-pakistan-for-terrorist-training-police-265412">convicted terrorist </a>who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012.&nbsp;

Usman Khan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-shooting-armed-man-gunned-down-by-police-265289">who stabbed two people </a>to death at the London Bridge, was arrested along with other accomplices in 2010 by British police after he was found discussing a plot to bomb London Stock Exchange.&nbsp;

"Usman Khan and Nazan Hussain attended Madrassa and were themselves keen to perform acts of terrorism in Kashmir. When they and others, who had been recruited and trained in the Madrassa and had experience in Kashmir, they may return to the UK and perform acts of violent terrorism here," the British judge had said in 2012.&nbsp;

The judge had also said that Usman is so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years. The judgment meant that Usman will remain in prison as long as he is seen as a danger to the public and the Parole Board would take a call whether to release him or not.&nbsp;

Usman's family originally hailed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 28-year-old was inspired by terrorist organisation Al Qaeda, especially by militant Anwar al-Awlaki. &nbsp;

He was a part of a militant group from Stokes city in the UK, which formed closed links with militants from Cardiff and London. The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy were planning to bomb a toilet at the London Stock Exchange. The 28-year-old supported the bombing and was also discussing about plans to bomb pubs.&nbsp;

Usman was also planning to go to Kashmir to participate in a camp of jihadist militants to sharpen his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir. &nbsp;

"It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," the judge had said.

The IPP sentencing was abolished in 2012 after the then British PM David Cameron announced a review of the sentencing in 2011.&nbsp;

Following the abolishment, the appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of Usman's sentencing and imposed a determinate prison term of 16 years, which meant that Usman could be eligible for release after serving half of his term.&nbsp;

Court of Appeal judges also had said that parole board will decide whether a convict is safe enough to be released. But parole board said on Saturday that they were not involved in the decision to release Usman, adding that he "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board."

British PM Boris Johnson, who is seeking another term vowed on Saturday that he would review Britain sentencing system as the convicted terrorist was released early who was responsible for carrying out the attack at the London bridge.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and ANI) 
&nbsp;

The convicted terrorist who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012.

The convicted terrorist who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012. Usman Khan, who stabbed two people to death at the London Bridge, was arrested along with other accomplices in 2010 by British police after he was found discussing a plot to bomb London Stock Exchange. "Usman Khan and Nazan Hussain attended Madrassa and were themselves keen to perform acts of terrorism in Kashmir. When they and others, who had been recruited and trained in the Madrassa and had experience in Kashmir, they may return to the UK and perform acts of violent terrorism here," the British judge had said in 2012. The judge had also said that Usman is so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years. The judgment meant that Usman will remain in prison as long as he is seen as a danger to the public and the Parole Board would take a call whether to release him or not. Usman's family originally hailed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 28-year-old was inspired by terrorist organisation Al Qaeda, especially by militant Anwar al-Awlaki. He was a part of a militant group from Stokes city in the UK, which formed closed links with militants from Cardiff and London. The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy were planning to bomb a toilet at the London Stock Exchange. The 28-year-old supported the bombing and was also discussing about plans to bomb pubs. Usman was also planning to go to Kashmir to participate in a camp of jihadist militants to sharpen his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir. "It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," the judge had said. The IPP sentencing was abolished in 2012 after the then British PM David Cameron announced a review of the sentencing in 2011. Following the abolishment, the appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of Usman's sentencing and imposed a determinate prison term of 16 years, which meant that Usman could be eligible for release after serving half of his term. Court of Appeal judges also had said that parole board will decide whether a convict is safe enough to be released. But parole board said on Saturday that they were not involved in the decision to release Usman, adding that he "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board." British PM Boris Johnson, who is seeking another term vowed on Saturday that he would review Britain sentencing system as the convicted terrorist was released early who was responsible for carrying out the attack at the London bridge. (with inputs from Reuters and ANI)

UK judge had warned of London Bridge terror convict's plans to carry out attacks in Kashmir

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was near the site where the stabbing<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-terrorist-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-265486"> incident took place at London Bridge</a> on Friday, Pakistan media reported, adding that the PML-N leader has reached back home safely.

Sharif was on his way to an appointment at London Bridge Hospital on Friday afternoon when the police sealed the area near the hospital because of the stabbing incident, Geo News reported, quoting a source travelling in one of three cars with the former prime minister.

Several people have sustained injuries in the stabbing incident, Metropolitan Police said, adding that they are treating the incident as "terror-related" as a precaution while the circumstances remain unclear.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was near the site where the stabbing incident took place at London Bridge on Friday, Pakistan media reported, adding that the PML-N leader has reached back home safely.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was near the site where the stabbing incident took place at London Bridge on Friday, Pakistan media reported, adding that the PML-N leader has reached back home safely. Sharif was on his way to an appointment at London Bridge Hospital on Friday afternoon when the police sealed the area near the hospital because of the stabbing incident, Geo News reported, quoting a source travelling in one of three cars with the former prime minister. Several people have sustained injuries in the stabbing incident, Metropolitan Police said, adding that they are treating the incident as "terror-related" as a precaution while the circumstances remain unclear.

Nawaz Sharif was near site of stabbing incident at London Bridge

Nine years before Usman Khan killed two people in a stabbing spree on London Bridge, he was overheard by British security services discussing how to use an al Qaeda manual he had memorised to build a pipe bomb.

It was a snippet of conversation, along with other intelligence about a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange, that prompted British police to arrest Khan - then 19 years old - and a group of older men on December&nbsp;20, 2010.

Sentenced to a minimum of eight years in prison in 2012 with a requirement that the parole board assess his danger to the public before release, he was set free in December 2018 - without a parole board assessment.

On Friday, he strapped on a fake suicide vest, armed himself with large kitchen knives and went on the rampage at a conference on prisoner rehabilitation beside London Bridge.

Confronted by bystanders, including a Polish man brandishing a narwhal tusk he had grabbed from the wall of Fishmongers' Hall, Khan was wrestled to the ground. Three armed police officers surrounded him. They fired twice. He was dead.

"This individual was known to authorities," said Britain's top counter-terrorism officer, Assistant Police Commissioner Neil Basu. "A key line of enquiry now is to establish how he came to carry out this attack."

It is so far unclear why Khan, now 28, began his rampage on London Bridge - the scene of another deadly attack before the 2017 election. Then, three terrorists drove a van into pedestrians before stabbing people in the surrounding area, killing eight and injuring at least 48.

Islamic State said its fighters were responsible for the 2017 attack, but the British authorities have cast doubt on those claims.

JIhadist camp

Khan, a British man whose family hails from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, was radicalised by internet propaganda spread by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and in particular by terrorist&nbsp;Anwar al-Awlaki.

Awlaki, identified by US&nbsp;intelligence as "chief of external operations" for al Qaeda's Yemeni branch and a Web-savvy publicist for the Islamist cause, was killed in a CIA drone strike in 2011.

Khan was part of a group of terrorists from the English city of Stoke which forged close links with terrorists from London and the Welsh capital Cardiff.

The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy had ambitions to place a bomb in a toilet at the London Stock Exchange.

While Khan knew and supported the bomb plans, and had discussed bombing local pubs, he and his Stoke group had hatched a potentially more sinister plan: a camp beside a mosque in Kashmir to train jihadist terrorists.

"The Stoke group was, and was considered to be, pre-eminent," British judge Alan Wilkie said when he sentenced Khan in 2012. "They regarded themselves as more serious jihadis than the others."

Khan had been intending to travel to the camp to perfect his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir.

"It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," Wilkie said.

Danger to the public?

When sentencing Khan in 2012, Wilkie said that he was so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years.

"The long, monitored, discussions of Usman Khan about the madrassa (training camp) and his attitudes towards it and terrorism are highly eloquent of the seriousness of their purpose," Wilkie said.

In effect, it meant he would remain incarcerated as long as he was considered to be a danger to the public and that the parole board should assess whether he should be released.

But in 2011, then-Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron announced a review of the IPP sentencing. The IPP was abolished in 2012.

After Khan appealed his sentence, appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of incarceration and he was given a determinate sentence of 16 years - meaning he could be released after serving half of his term.

Court of Appeal judges said at the time that the Parole Board should consider whether those convicted were safe enough to be released. But the Parole Board said on Saturday that it had not been involved in deciding Khan's release.

"The Parole Board can confirm it had no involvement with the release of the individual identified as the attacker," the board said, adding that Khan "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, seeking re-election on Dec. 12, said it was important to enforce terrorism-related sentences.

"It does not make sense for us, as a society, to be putting people convicted of terrorist offences, serious violent offences, out on early release," he said on Saturday after visiting the scene of the attack.

Nine years before Usman Khan killed two people in a stabbing spree on London Bridge, he was overheard by British security services discussing how to use an al Qaeda manual he had memorised to build a pipe bomb.

Nine years before Usman Khan killed two people in a stabbing spree on London Bridge, he was overheard by British security services discussing how to use an al Qaeda manual he had memorised to build a pipe bomb. It was a snippet of conversation, along with other intelligence about a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange, that prompted British police to arrest Khan - then 19 years old - and a group of older men on December 20, 2010. Sentenced to a minimum of eight years in prison in 2012 with a requirement that the parole board assess his danger to the public before release, he was set free in December 2018 - without a parole board assessment. On Friday, he strapped on a fake suicide vest, armed himself with large kitchen knives and went on the rampage at a conference on prisoner rehabilitation beside London Bridge. Confronted by bystanders, including a Polish man brandishing a narwhal tusk he had grabbed from the wall of Fishmongers' Hall, Khan was wrestled to the ground. Three armed police officers surrounded him. They fired twice. He was dead. "This individual was known to authorities," said Britain's top counter-terrorism officer, Assistant Police Commissioner Neil Basu. "A key line of enquiry now is to establish how he came to carry out this attack." It is so far unclear why Khan, now 28, began his rampage on London Bridge - the scene of another deadly attack before the 2017 election. Then, three terrorists drove a van into pedestrians before stabbing people in the surrounding area, killing eight and injuring at least 48. Islamic State said its fighters were responsible for the 2017 attack, but the British authorities have cast doubt on those claims. JIhadist camp Khan, a British man whose family hails from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, was radicalised by internet propaganda spread by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and in particular by terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki. Awlaki, identified by US intelligence as "chief of external operations" for al Qaeda's Yemeni branch and a Web-savvy publicist for the Islamist cause, was killed in a CIA drone strike in 2011. Khan was part of a group of terrorists from the English city of Stoke which forged close links with terrorists from London and the Welsh capital Cardiff. The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy had ambitions to place a bomb in a toilet at the London Stock Exchange. While Khan knew and supported the bomb plans, and had discussed bombing local pubs, he and his Stoke group had hatched a potentially more sinister plan: a camp beside a mosque in Kashmir to train jihadist terrorists. "The Stoke group was, and was considered to be, pre-eminent," British judge Alan Wilkie said when he sentenced Khan in 2012. "They regarded themselves as more serious jihadis than the others." Khan had been intending to travel to the camp to perfect his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir. "It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," Wilkie said. Danger to the public? When sentencing Khan in 2012, Wilkie said that he was so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years. "The long, monitored, discussions of Usman Khan about the madrassa (training camp) and his attitudes towards it and terrorism are highly eloquent of the seriousness of their purpose," Wilkie said. In effect, it meant he would remain incarcerated as long as he was considered to be a danger to the public and that the parole board should assess whether he should be released. But in 2011, then-Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron announced a review of the IPP sentencing. The IPP was abolished in 2012. After Khan appealed his sentence, appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of incarceration and he was given a determinate sentence of 16 years - meaning he could be released after serving half of his term. Court of Appeal judges said at the time that the Parole Board should consider whether those convicted were safe enough to be released. But the Parole Board said on Saturday that it had not been involved in deciding Khan's release. "The Parole Board can confirm it had no involvement with the release of the individual identified as the attacker," the board said, adding that Khan "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board." Prime Minister Boris Johnson, seeking re-election on Dec. 12, said it was important to enforce terrorism-related sentences. "It does not make sense for us, as a society, to be putting people convicted of terrorist offences, serious violent offences, out on early release," he said on Saturday after visiting the scene of the attack.

Al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old terrorist who launched London Bridge attack

The British government on Saturday vowed a "full review" after a convicted terrorist released early from prison was suspected of stabbing two people to death on London Bridge.

Police shot Usman Khan dead after his suspected assault that seriously injured three other people was broken up by bystanders -- one armed with a five-foot narwhal tusk and another a fire extinguisher.

Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man wielding the tusk -- believed to have been taken from a nearby historic hall -- and sprayed with the extinguisher.&nbsp;

He had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year sentence for terrorism, and was wearing a suspected fake explosive device.

Moments later armed police officers arrived on the scene and shot him dead.

Investigators have said they are not actively seeking others in relation to the incident, which recalled a three-man terrorist assault two years ago on London Bridge that killed eight.

The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election, and politicians temporarily suspended campaigning.&nbsp;

Security Minister Brandon Lewis said the government would check whether sentences were being dealt with "in a proper way" following Friday's carnage.

"After any incident like this, there has to be and always is, a full review and lessons-learned exercise taken forward," he told BBC Radio.

"We have to let the investigation complete itself first, but that will absolutely happen."

'Bundle him to the ground'

Khan, from Stoke in central England, was handed an indeterminate sentence for public protection in 2012, with at least eight years in prison, along with eight others inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange.

They were also found guilty of making longer-term plans including taking part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But the sentences of Khan and two co-conspirators were quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year sentence, comprising a maximum custodial term of 16 years.

Police on Saturday were reportedly searching a property in Stafford, in central England, thought to be connected to Khan.

Police believe he began the attack at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building said to contain many ancient artefacts on the north side of the bridge.

It was hosting an event organised by the University of Cambridge's criminology institute on prisoner rehabilitation, attended by Khan, who reportedly arrived with two knives and the fake suicide vest.

Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope said he was "devastated" that the university's staff, students and alumni may have been targeted.

The Metropolitan Police appealed for witnesses from the event to come forward.&nbsp;

As the attack moved to London Bridge, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan on a pedestrian walkway.

Tour guide Stevie Hurst told BBC radio that "everyone was just on top of him trying to bundle him to the ground.

"I saw that the knife was still in his hand so I just put a foot in to try and kick him in the head: we were trying to do as much as we could to try and dislodge the knife," he said.

One man in a suit and tie -- identified by media as a police officer -- was later seen carrying a large knife away.

'Mistake'

Attention has swiftly turned to how Khan could have been released from prison after serving less than seven years of his sentence.

Inmates are usually released half-way through the type of determinate sentence he was given, and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account.

The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law.

During the attack, Khan wore an electronic tag used to monitor criminal offenders, The Times newspaper reported.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired a meeting of the government's emergencies committee late Friday, said he had "long argued" it was a "mistake to allow serious and violent criminals to come out of prison early."

Johnson, who hopes to win a majority in a December 12 election and take Britain of the European Union, praised the emergency services and the public for their response.

On November 4, Britain downgraded its terrorism threat level from "severe", the second-highest of five levels, to "substantial" -- the lowest rating in more than five years.

The 2017 London Bridge attack involved Islamist extremists in a van who ploughed into pedestrians before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market.

Eight people were killed and 48 wounded. The three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police.

The British government on Saturday vowed a "full review" after a convicted terrorist released early from prison was suspected of stabbing two people to death on London Bridge.

The British government on Saturday vowed a "full review" after a convicted terrorist released early from prison was suspected of stabbing two people to death on London Bridge. Police shot Usman Khan dead after his suspected assault that seriously injured three other people was broken up by bystanders -- one armed with a five-foot narwhal tusk and another a fire extinguisher. Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man wielding the tusk -- believed to have been taken from a nearby historic hall -- and sprayed with the extinguisher. He had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year sentence for terrorism, and was wearing a suspected fake explosive device. Moments later armed police officers arrived on the scene and shot him dead. Investigators have said they are not actively seeking others in relation to the incident, which recalled a three-man terrorist assault two years ago on London Bridge that killed eight. The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election, and politicians temporarily suspended campaigning. Security Minister Brandon Lewis said the government would check whether sentences were being dealt with "in a proper way" following Friday's carnage. "After any incident like this, there has to be and always is, a full review and lessons-learned exercise taken forward," he told BBC Radio. "We have to let the investigation complete itself first, but that will absolutely happen." 'Bundle him to the ground' Khan, from Stoke in central England, was handed an indeterminate sentence for public protection in 2012, with at least eight years in prison, along with eight others inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange. They were also found guilty of making longer-term plans including taking part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But the sentences of Khan and two co-conspirators were quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year sentence, comprising a maximum custodial term of 16 years. Police on Saturday were reportedly searching a property in Stafford, in central England, thought to be connected to Khan. Police believe he began the attack at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building said to contain many ancient artefacts on the north side of the bridge. It was hosting an event organised by the University of Cambridge's criminology institute on prisoner rehabilitation, attended by Khan, who reportedly arrived with two knives and the fake suicide vest. Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope said he was "devastated" that the university's staff, students and alumni may have been targeted. The Metropolitan Police appealed for witnesses from the event to come forward. As the attack moved to London Bridge, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan on a pedestrian walkway. Tour guide Stevie Hurst told BBC radio that "everyone was just on top of him trying to bundle him to the ground. "I saw that the knife was still in his hand so I just put a foot in to try and kick him in the head: we were trying to do as much as we could to try and dislodge the knife," he said. One man in a suit and tie -- identified by media as a police officer -- was later seen carrying a large knife away. 'Mistake' Attention has swiftly turned to how Khan could have been released from prison after serving less than seven years of his sentence. Inmates are usually released half-way through the type of determinate sentence he was given, and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account. The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law. During the attack, Khan wore an electronic tag used to monitor criminal offenders, The Times newspaper reported. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired a meeting of the government's emergencies committee late Friday, said he had "long argued" it was a "mistake to allow serious and violent criminals to come out of prison early." Johnson, who hopes to win a majority in a December 12 election and take Britain of the European Union, praised the emergency services and the public for their response. On November 4, Britain downgraded its terrorism threat level from "severe", the second-highest of five levels, to "substantial" -- the lowest rating in more than five years. The 2017 London Bridge attack involved Islamist extremists in a van who ploughed into pedestrians before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market. Eight people were killed and 48 wounded. The three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police.

UK vows review as convicted terrorist named in London attack

A man suspected of stabbing two people to death in a terror attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-police-shot-dead-knife-man-at-london-bridge-declare-terrorism-incident-265313">London Bridge </a>was a former prisoner convicted for terrorism offences and released last year, police said Saturday.

Police identified the man, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-shooting-armed-man-gunned-down-by-police-265289">shot dead </a>by officers after Friday's attack, as 28-year-old Usman Khan, saying they were not actively seeking any other suspects in relation to the incident.

"This individual was known to authorities, having been convicted in 2012 for terrorism offences. He was released from prison in December 2018 on licence," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement.

Three more people were wounded in the daylight stabbing spree which revived memories of a three-man attack on London Bridge two years ago that killed eight.

Basu said that Khan had been living in the Staffordshire region of central England and officers were searching an address in that area.

"The circumstances, as we currently understand them, are that the attacker attended an event earlier on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall called 'Learning Together'," the statement said.

"We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers."

Fishmonger's Hall is a historic listed building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of the capital.

A man suspected of stabbing two people to death in a terror attack on London Bridge was a former prisoner convicted for terrorism offences and released last year, police said Saturday.

A man suspected of stabbing two people to death in a terror attack on London Bridge was a former prisoner convicted for terrorism offences and released last year, police said Saturday. Police identified the man, who was shot dead by officers after Friday's attack, as 28-year-old Usman Khan, saying they were not actively seeking any other suspects in relation to the incident. "This individual was known to authorities, having been convicted in 2012 for terrorism offences. He was released from prison in December 2018 on licence," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement. Three more people were wounded in the daylight stabbing spree which revived memories of a three-man attack on London Bridge two years ago that killed eight. Basu said that Khan had been living in the Staffordshire region of central England and officers were searching an address in that area. "The circumstances, as we currently understand them, are that the attacker attended an event earlier on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall called 'Learning Together'," the statement said. "We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers." Fishmonger's Hall is a historic listed building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of the capital.

London knife attack suspect was ex-terror convict, say police

The accused of the knife attack at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-knife-attack-suspect-was-ex-terror-convict-police-265330">London bridge </a>was an ex-prisoner convicted of terrorism offences and released last year, police said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Police named the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan and said that he was convicted in 2012 for terrorism.&nbsp;He was released from prison in December 2018 on parole, Neil Basu, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said in a statement.

Khan was sentenced to prison to a minimum of eight years and was also found guilty of planning to go to Pakistan to get "terrorist training".&nbsp;

The 28-year-old suspect, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-police-shot-dead-knife-man-at-london-bridge-declare-terrorism-incident-265313">stabbed two people </a>to death on Friday, was shot dead by police.

Three people were also wounded in the incident.&nbsp;

Basu said that the accused had attended an event on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall, a historical building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of London.&nbsp;

"We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers," he said.

Eyewitnesses' account claimed that a group of people tried to tackle the suspect on the ground before the cops arrived.&nbsp;

"Everyone was just on top of him trying to bundle him to the ground", tour guide Stevie Hurst, who ran from his car to the place of incident, told BBC radio.&nbsp;

A report claimed that Khan was wearing an electronic tag used to monitor criminal offenders. The police said they believed the accused strapped to his body "hoax explosive device".

The attack took hours before another stabbing incident in the centre of the Dutch city, The Hague, where three minors were assaulted.

The victims were later released from the hospital.&nbsp;

So far, it is unclear whether both incidents were linked to each other.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

The accused of the knife attack at London bridge was an ex-prisoner convicted of terrorism offences and released last year, police said on Saturday. Police named the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan and said that he was convicted in 2012 for terrorism.

The accused of the knife attack at London bridge was an ex-prisoner convicted of terrorism offences and released last year, police said on Saturday. Police named the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan and said that he was convicted in 2012 for terrorism. He was released from prison in December 2018 on parole, Neil Basu, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said in a statement. Khan was sentenced to prison to a minimum of eight years and was also found guilty of planning to go to Pakistan to get "terrorist training". The 28-year-old suspect, who stabbed two people to death on Friday, was shot dead by police. Three people were also wounded in the incident. Basu said that the accused had attended an event on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall, a historical building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of London. "We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers," he said. Eyewitnesses' account claimed that a group of people tried to tackle the suspect on the ground before the cops arrived. "Everyone was just on top of him trying to bundle him to the ground", tour guide Stevie Hurst, who ran from his car to the place of incident, told BBC radio. A report claimed that Khan was wearing an electronic tag used to monitor criminal offenders. The police said they believed the accused strapped to his body "hoax explosive device". The attack took hours before another stabbing incident in the centre of the Dutch city, The Hague, where three minors were assaulted. The victims were later released from the hospital. So far, it is unclear whether both incidents were linked to each other. (with inputs from AFP)

London Bridge attack suspect was planning to go to Pakistan for 'terrorist training': Police

British police on Friday shot dead a man who had strapped a fake bomb to his body and stabbed a number of people in what they said was a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-shooting-armed-man-gunned-down-by-police-265289"> terrorism incident</a> in the London Bridge area of the capital.

Police said they had been alerted at just before 2 pm to a stabbing at premises near London Bridge, the scene of a deadly attack by Islamist militants two years ago.

"A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from the City of London police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene," the United Kingdom's top counter-terrorism officer, Neil Basu, told reporters.

"A number of other people received injuries during this incident," Basu said. "We believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect was a hoax explosive device."

A video posted on Twitter showed a group of about half a dozen men wrestling with someone on the ground on the sidewalk of the bridge. One of them backs away from the scene carrying a knife.

As he looks towards the melee, an armed police officer drags another person away from the man on the floor. Soon after, what sound like two gunshots ring out, and the man on the ground stops moving. Reuters could not immediately verify the footage.

Prime Minister returns to London

The ambulance service declared a "major incident" in the area and London Bridge station, a busy commuter hub, was closed.

People in buildings around the scene were evacuated to the north side of the River Thames by security services.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on his way back to Downing Street and Basu said he would be giving him a full briefing.

"I'm being kept updated on the incident at London Bridge and want to thank the police and all emergency services for their immediate response," Johnson said in a statement.

London Bridge was the scene of an attack in June 2017 when three militants drove a van into pedestrians and then attacked people in the surrounding area, killing eight people and injuring at least 48.

Islamic State said its fighters were responsible.

The month before, a suicide bomber killed 22 children and adults and wounded 59 at a packed concert hall in the English city of Manchester, as crowds began leaving a concert by US&nbsp;singer Ariana Grande.

And in March the same year, an attacker stabbed a policeman close to London's parliament buildings after a car ploughed into pedestrians on nearby Westminster Bridge.

Six people died, including the assailant and the policeman he stabbed, and at least 20 were injured in what police called a "marauding terrorist attack".

Earlier this month, Britain had lowered its national terrorism threat level to "substantial" from "severe", its lowest level since 2014.

British police on Friday shot dead a man who had strapped a fake bomb to his body and stabbed a number of people in what they said was a terrorism incident in the London Bridge area of the capital.

British police on Friday shot dead a man who had strapped a fake bomb to his body and stabbed a number of people in what they said was a terrorism incident in the London Bridge area of the capital. Police said they had been alerted at just before 2 pm to a stabbing at premises near London Bridge, the scene of a deadly attack by Islamist militants two years ago. "A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from the City of London police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene," the United Kingdom's top counter-terrorism officer, Neil Basu, told reporters. "A number of other people received injuries during this incident," Basu said. "We believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect was a hoax explosive device." A video posted on Twitter showed a group of about half a dozen men wrestling with someone on the ground on the sidewalk of the bridge. One of them backs away from the scene carrying a knife. As he looks towards the melee, an armed police officer drags another person away from the man on the floor. Soon after, what sound like two gunshots ring out, and the man on the ground stops moving. Reuters could not immediately verify the footage. Prime Minister returns to London The ambulance service declared a "major incident" in the area and London Bridge station, a busy commuter hub, was closed. People in buildings around the scene were evacuated to the north side of the River Thames by security services. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on his way back to Downing Street and Basu said he would be giving him a full briefing. "I'm being kept updated on the incident at London Bridge and want to thank the police and all emergency services for their immediate response," Johnson said in a statement. London Bridge was the scene of an attack in June 2017 when three militants drove a van into pedestrians and then attacked people in the surrounding area, killing eight people and injuring at least 48. Islamic State said its fighters were responsible. The month before, a suicide bomber killed 22 children and adults and wounded 59 at a packed concert hall in the English city of Manchester, as crowds began leaving a concert by US singer Ariana Grande. And in March the same year, an attacker stabbed a policeman close to London's parliament buildings after a car ploughed into pedestrians on nearby Westminster Bridge. Six people died, including the assailant and the policeman he stabbed, and at least 20 were injured in what police called a "marauding terrorist attack". Earlier this month, Britain had lowered its national terrorism threat level to "substantial" from "severe", its lowest level since 2014.

London Bridge attack: Suspect shot dead; police declare 'terrorism' incident

Six civilians and one police officer were injured when a car drove into people in the Spanish seaside resort of Cambrils early Friday&nbsp;just hours after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/barcelona-attack-spanish-police-kill-four-suspected-terrorists-19147">attack in Barcelona even as&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-injured-after-van-crashes-into-pedestrians-in-barcelona-19141">the police launched a manhunt </a>to nab the driver of a van which mowed 13 people&nbsp;on Thursday evening at Las Ramblas.

Police shot five attackers dead, saying they were &quot;working on the hypothesis that the terrorists shot dead in Cambrils could be linked to what happened in Barcelona.&quot;

The explosive belts worn by attackers killed by police in the Catalan resort town of Cambrils were fake, Spanish region&#39;s head Carles Puigdemont told local radio station RAC1, Reuters reported.

Catalan police said the situation in Cambrils, south Barcelona, was under control but urged caution as authorities were still on high alert.

There are at least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/barcelona-terror-strike-people-were-shouting-and-we-heard-a-bang-407">hundred people still injured with the death toll likely</a> to rise further in the Barcelona attack, officials said.

Witnesses said a white van rammed pedestrians and cyclists at high speed leaving dead bodies in its wake as the Spanish city of Barcelona was shocked by the terrorist&nbsp;attack.

Later Islamic State&#39;s Amaq news agency said: &quot;The perpetrators of the Barcelona attack are soldiers of the Islamic State and carried out the operation in response to calls for targeting coalition states&quot; - a reference to a US-led coalition against the Sunni militant group.

The Islamic State claim, however, could not immediately be verified.

Meanwhile, India&#39;s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said her ministry was in touch with Spanish authorities and there were no Indian casualties reported in the Barcelona attack.

&nbsp;

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Police said they were 'working on the hypothesis that the terrorists shot dead in Cambrils could be linked to what happened in Barcelona'

Six civilians and one police officer were injured when a car drove into people in the Spanish seaside resort of Cambrils early Friday just hours after the attack in Barcelona even as the police launched a manhunt to nab the driver of a van which mowed 13 people on Thursday evening at Las Ramblas. Police shot five attackers dead, saying they were "working on the hypothesis that the terrorists shot dead in Cambrils could be linked to what happened in Barcelona." The explosive belts worn by attackers killed by police in the Catalan resort town of Cambrils were fake, Spanish region's head Carles Puigdemont told local radio station RAC1, Reuters reported. Catalan police said the situation in Cambrils, south Barcelona, was under control but urged caution as authorities were still on high alert. There are at least hundred people still injured with the death toll likely to rise further in the Barcelona attack, officials said. Witnesses said a white van rammed pedestrians and cyclists at high speed leaving dead bodies in its wake as the Spanish city of Barcelona was shocked by the terrorist attack. Later Islamic State's Amaq news agency said: "The perpetrators of the Barcelona attack are soldiers of the Islamic State and carried out the operation in response to calls for targeting coalition states" - a reference to a US-led coalition against the Sunni militant group. The Islamic State claim, however, could not immediately be verified. Meanwhile, India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said her ministry was in touch with Spanish authorities and there were no Indian casualties reported in the Barcelona attack. I am in constant touch with Indian Embassy in Spain @IndiainSpain. As of now, there is no report of an Indian casualty. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 17, 2017 × In case of emergency #Barcelona, please contact +34-608769335. — India in Spain (@IndiainSpain) August 17, 2017 × ×

Another car attack in Cambrils after Barcelona, five attackers killed

A teenager has been arrested after&nbsp;five acid attacks were reported in north-east London, media reports said.

The attacks happened in a space of 90 minutes at&nbsp;Hackney, Stoke Newington and Islington on Thursday night, reports said.

Police said they had arrested a male teenage on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery. He is in custody in an east London police station, news agencies reported.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The attacks happened in a space of 90 minutes at Hackney, Stoke Newington and Islington on Thursday night, reports said.

A teenager has been arrested after five acid attacks were reported in north-east London, media reports said. The attacks happened in a space of 90 minutes at Hackney, Stoke Newington and Islington on Thursday night, reports said. Police said they had arrested a male teenage on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery. He is in custody in an east London police station, news agencies reported.

Acid attack at five places in London, teenager arrested

The three Islamists who killed eight people after driving a van into pedestrians on&nbsp;London&nbsp;Bridge and then attacking nearby revellers had initially tried to hire a 7.5 tonne truck, the head of the UK capital&#39;s counter-terrorism unit said on Friday.

Commander Dean Haydon also revealed that the men had a stockpile of petrol bombs in the back of their van and carried out their deadly attack with pink ceramic knives. Officers also discovered a Koran in their safe house, opened at a page on martyrdom.

The discoveries, especially of the plan to hire a truck, suggested more could have been killed.

&quot;Getting hold of a 7.5 tonne lorry - the effects could have been even worse,&quot; Haydon told reporters.&nbsp;

Although Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the attack, Haydon said there was no evidence the attackers - Pakistani-born Briton Khuram Butt, Italian Youssef Zaghba and Rachid Redouane who had links to Libya, Morocco and Ireland - were directed by anyone else, either in Britain or abroad.

&quot;We&#39;re not looking for a wider network,&quot; said Haydon, head of&nbsp;London&#39;s Counter Terrorism Command, adding that officers were still trying to piece together how the three men had met. &quot;How did they know each other? They are a diverse bunch,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Haydon provided unusually extensive details of last Saturday&#39;s attack, the deadliest in&nbsp;London&nbsp;since suicide bombers killed 52 people on the city&#39;s transport network in 2005.

Ringleader

On Saturday morning, Butt, who Haydon said was believed to be the ringleader, tried to rent a 7.5 tonne truck but did not provide&nbsp;payment details.&nbsp;

It was not clear why he could not pay, or if he lacked the necessary licence to drive such a vehicle. But his attempt echoed last July&#39;s attack in Nice, France, when a 19-tonne truck was driven into crowds, killing 86 people.

Shortly before 1700 GMT, Butt received a text message confirming his hire of a Renault van instead.

At about 1730 GMT, the men drove to pick up the van before heading to Zaghba&#39;s home in eastLondon. At 1838 GMT they left and two hours later the van reached&nbsp;London&nbsp;Bridge which they drove along twice before targeting pedestrians on the sidewalk on their third run.

Three people on the bridge were struck and killed by the van, believed to have been driven by Butt, before the men abandoned the vehicle and began to attack people in bars and restaurants in the nearby bustling Borough Market area.

The men were armed with identical 12-inch (30cm) pink ceramic knives, strapped to their wrists with leather bound around the handle. They were also wearing fake suicide belts - plastic water bottles wrapped in duct tape.

Eight minutes after police were alerted, armed officers arrived at the scene and fired 46 rounds, killing all three men. Their victims were three French nationals, two Australians, a Canadian, a Spaniard and a Briton.

In the attackers&#39; van detectives found 13 wine bottles, filled with lighter fuel with rags wrapped round them to make Molotov cocktail petrol bombs. There were also two blow torches which Haydon thought could have been used to light the homemade bombs as part of a possible secondary attack.

&quot;They were still fairly close to the van. There is a possibility that they could have come back,&quot; Haydon said.

There were also office chairs, a suitcase and two bags of gravel which Haydon said might have been to add weight or to act as a cover story for their activities to friends and family.&nbsp;

He said Redouane&#39;s home, an apartment in Barking, east&nbsp;London, was the men&#39;s safe house where they put their plot together and prepared the attack.&nbsp;

There they found an English-language copy of the Koran which had been left open on a page describing martyrdom, along with other items linked to their attack.

Haydon said since last Saturday they had taken 262 statements from people from 19 different countries and numerous international inquiries were ongoing relating to the attackers and the victims.

Criticism

British police and security services were criticised after it emerged that they had known about Butt, who featured in a TV documentary entitled &quot;Jihadis Next Door&quot;, in which he joined a group unfurling an Islamic State (IS) flag in a park.&nbsp;

Haydon acknowledged that Butt had links to al Muhajiroun, a banned group headed by cleric Anjem Choudary. He was jailed last year for encouraging support of IS, which has been linked to numerous militant plots in Britain and abroad.

Butt was also arrested for fraud last October but was about to be told by prosecutors he would face no further action.

&quot;We will be looking at intelligence and our processes, and asking ourselves the question: &#39;Could we have prevented such an attack?&#39;,&quot; Haydon said. &quot;There is nothing that I&#39;m seeing at the moment that suggested that we got that wrong.&quot;

Police have installed security barriers running alongside the sidewalks at eight bridges across the River Thames, and Haydon said similar protection was being considered at other locations.

Police were also reviewing security at &quot;iconic sites&quot;, crowded places and major events, and refreshing advice to theatres, bars, shopping centres and sports venues.

Khuram Butt , who is believed to be the ringleader, had tried to rent a 7.5 tonne truck before the attack but did not provide?payment details

The three Islamists who killed eight people after driving a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then attacking nearby revellers had initially tried to hire a 7.5 tonne truck, the head of the UK capital's counter-terrorism unit said on Friday. Commander Dean Haydon also revealed that the men had a stockpile of petrol bombs in the back of their van and carried out their deadly attack with pink ceramic knives. Officers also discovered a Koran in their safe house, opened at a page on martyrdom. The discoveries, especially of the plan to hire a truck, suggested more could have been killed. "Getting hold of a 7.5 tonne lorry - the effects could have been even worse," Haydon told reporters. Although Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the attack, Haydon said there was no evidence the attackers - Pakistani-born Briton Khuram Butt, Italian Youssef Zaghba and Rachid Redouane who had links to Libya, Morocco and Ireland - were directed by anyone else, either in Britain or abroad. "We're not looking for a wider network," said Haydon, head of London's Counter Terrorism Command, adding that officers were still trying to piece together how the three men had met. "How did they know each other? They are a diverse bunch," he said. Haydon provided unusually extensive details of last Saturday's attack, the deadliest in London since suicide bombers killed 52 people on the city's transport network in 2005. Ringleader On Saturday morning, Butt, who Haydon said was believed to be the ringleader, tried to rent a 7.5 tonne truck but did not provide payment details. It was not clear why he could not pay, or if he lacked the necessary licence to drive such a vehicle. But his attempt echoed last July's attack in Nice, France, when a 19-tonne truck was driven into crowds, killing 86 people. Shortly before 1700 GMT, Butt received a text message confirming his hire of a Renault van instead. At about 1730 GMT, the men drove to pick up the van before heading to Zaghba's home in eastLondon. At 1838 GMT they left and two hours later the van reached London Bridge which they drove along twice before targeting pedestrians on the sidewalk on their third run. Three people on the bridge were struck and killed by the van, believed to have been driven by Butt, before the men abandoned the vehicle and began to attack people in bars and restaurants in the nearby bustling Borough Market area. The men were armed with identical 12-inch (30cm) pink ceramic knives, strapped to their wrists with leather bound around the handle. They were also wearing fake suicide belts - plastic water bottles wrapped in duct tape. Eight minutes after police were alerted, armed officers arrived at the scene and fired 46 rounds, killing all three men. Their victims were three French nationals, two Australians, a Canadian, a Spaniard and a Briton. In the attackers' van detectives found 13 wine bottles, filled with lighter fuel with rags wrapped round them to make Molotov cocktail petrol bombs. There were also two blow torches which Haydon thought could have been used to light the homemade bombs as part of a possible secondary attack. "They were still fairly close to the van. There is a possibility that they could have come back," Haydon said. There were also office chairs, a suitcase and two bags of gravel which Haydon said might have been to add weight or to act as a cover story for their activities to friends and family. He said Redouane's home, an apartment in Barking, east London, was the men's safe house where they put their plot together and prepared the attack. There they found an English-language copy of the Koran which had been left open on a page describing martyrdom, along with other items linked to their attack. Haydon said since last Saturday they had taken 262 statements from people from 19 different countries and numerous international inquiries were ongoing relating to the attackers and the victims. Criticism British police and security services were criticised after it emerged that they had known about Butt, who featured in a TV documentary entitled "Jihadis Next Door", in which he joined a group unfurling an Islamic State (IS) flag in a park. Haydon acknowledged that Butt had links to al Muhajiroun, a banned group headed by cleric Anjem Choudary. He was jailed last year for encouraging support of IS, which has been linked to numerous militant plots in Britain and abroad. Butt was also arrested for fraud last October but was about to be told by prosecutors he would face no further action. "We will be looking at intelligence and our processes, and asking ourselves the question: 'Could we have prevented such an attack?'," Haydon said. "There is nothing that I'm seeing at the moment that suggested that we got that wrong." Police have installed security barriers running alongside the sidewalks at eight bridges across the River Thames, and Haydon said similar protection was being considered at other locations. Police were also reviewing security at "iconic sites", crowded places and major events, and refreshing advice to theatres, bars, shopping centres and sports venues.

London Bridge attackers had tried to hire 7.5 tonne lorry: Police

Britain went to the polls on Thursday for a snap election called by Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of Brexit after a campaign shadowed by terrorism.

May called the vote in April, when opinion poll ratings for her and her centre-right Conservative party were sky high, presenting herself as the strong leader to take Britain into Brexit talks.

But Islamist attacks in London and Manchester have put her under pressure over her six years as interior minister, while campaign missteps have dented her reputation as a safe pair of hands.

Meanwhile opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, an anti-war campaigner deemed unelectable by a majority of his own lawmakers, has run an energetic campaign, promising change and an end to austerity.

While May has been touring target seats around the country, delivering slogan-heavy speeches to small groups of hand-picked activists, Corbyn has drawn large crowds to open-air rallies.

Speaking to reporters on her plane during a final burst of campaigning on Wednesday, May insisted she had no regrets about calling the vote three years early.

&quot;I&#39;ve enjoyed the campaign,&quot; she said. &quot;There is a very clear choice for people when they come to vote.&quot;

Asked what would constitute success, the 60-year-old vicar&#39;s daughter said: &quot;I never predict election results.&quot;

Corbyn, a 68-year-old leftwinger who has never held ministerial office and defied the odds to win the Labour leadership two years ago, urged supporters in Glasgow to think big.

&quot;Wouldn&#39;t it be great if on Friday we woke up to... a Labour government that will be a government for all of our communities across the whole of the country,&quot; he said.

&#39;Little confidence&#39;&nbsp;

It is the third time Britain has gone to the polls in two years, twice for a general election and once for the EU referendum, and voter fatigue appeared to be an issue among the early voters.

&quot;I don&#39;t think it has really been a campaign, we don&#39;t know anything about what they are going to do about Brexit, it&#39;s been pointless really,&quot; said Joe Kerney, 53, at a polling station in Hackney, east London.

&quot;I have little confidence in anybody,&quot; added voter Simon Bolton, 41. &quot;I think we lack quality in terms of who we can choose, it is very limited.&quot;

The election is May&#39;s first since taking office after Britons voted by 52 percent to leave the European Union.

May has accused Corbyn of being unprepared for negotiations set to begin on June 19, and unwilling to curb mass migration -- a key driver of the Brexit vote.

But her government&#39;s record on cutting funding for health and education have also featured strongly in the campaign, to the benefit of Labour.

The Conservatives were also damaged by a manifesto plan for elderly care that would see some pay more.

Then came the suicide bombing at a Manchester concert on May 22, which killed 22 people including seven children, followed by Saturday&#39;s knife and van attack in London, which left eight dead.

Campaigning was twice suspended in the aftermath of the attacks, which May blamed on &quot;evil&quot; Islamist ideology.

The Conservatives have always been strong on defence and security, and they have sought to exploit Corbyn&#39;s anti-nuclear stance and his alleged past support for Irish paramilitaries.

But May also faced uncomfortable questions over cuts to police numbers during her time as interior minister, amid accusations that the attackers in Manchester and London Bridge had slipped through the intelligence net.

Security tightened&nbsp;

Security on voting day was reviewed following the London attack, with the city&#39;s Metropolitan Police force implementing a &quot;specialist and highly flexible operation&quot; which it said could be deployed as needed.

Polling stations, many located in schools and community centres, opened at 7:00am (0600 GMT) and will close at 10:00pm, with 49.6 million registered voters electing a total of 650 MPs to parliament.

Overall turnout in the 2015 general election was 66.4 percent.

An exit poll will give an indication of the outcome, although final results will not emerge until early Friday.

As the Conservatives and Labour trade blows, the smaller pro-European Liberal Democrats and the pro-Brexit UK Independence Party (UKIP) have failed to gain much traction.

Britain went to the polls on Thursday for a snap election called by Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of Brexit after a campaign shadowed by terrorism.

Britain went to the polls on Thursday for a snap election called by Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of Brexit after a campaign shadowed by terrorism. May called the vote in April, when opinion poll ratings for her and her centre-right Conservative party were sky high, presenting herself as the strong leader to take Britain into Brexit talks. But Islamist attacks in London and Manchester have put her under pressure over her six years as interior minister, while campaign missteps have dented her reputation as a safe pair of hands. Meanwhile opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, an anti-war campaigner deemed unelectable by a majority of his own lawmakers, has run an energetic campaign, promising change and an end to austerity. While May has been touring target seats around the country, delivering slogan-heavy speeches to small groups of hand-picked activists, Corbyn has drawn large crowds to open-air rallies. Speaking to reporters on her plane during a final burst of campaigning on Wednesday, May insisted she had no regrets about calling the vote three years early. "I've enjoyed the campaign," she said. "There is a very clear choice for people when they come to vote." Asked what would constitute success, the 60-year-old vicar's daughter said: "I never predict election results." Corbyn, a 68-year-old leftwinger who has never held ministerial office and defied the odds to win the Labour leadership two years ago, urged supporters in Glasgow to think big. "Wouldn't it be great if on Friday we woke up to... a Labour government that will be a government for all of our communities across the whole of the country," he said. 'Little confidence' It is the third time Britain has gone to the polls in two years, twice for a general election and once for the EU referendum, and voter fatigue appeared to be an issue among the early voters. "I don't think it has really been a campaign, we don't know anything about what they are going to do about Brexit, it's been pointless really," said Joe Kerney, 53, at a polling station in Hackney, east London. "I have little confidence in anybody," added voter Simon Bolton, 41. "I think we lack quality in terms of who we can choose, it is very limited." The election is May's first since taking office after Britons voted by 52 percent to leave the European Union. May has accused Corbyn of being unprepared for negotiations set to begin on June 19, and unwilling to curb mass migration -- a key driver of the Brexit vote. But her government's record on cutting funding for health and education have also featured strongly in the campaign, to the benefit of Labour. The Conservatives were also damaged by a manifesto plan for elderly care that would see some pay more. Then came the suicide bombing at a Manchester concert on May 22, which killed 22 people including seven children, followed by Saturday's knife and van attack in London, which left eight dead. Campaigning was twice suspended in the aftermath of the attacks, which May blamed on "evil" Islamist ideology. The Conservatives have always been strong on defence and security, and they have sought to exploit Corbyn's anti-nuclear stance and his alleged past support for Irish paramilitaries. But May also faced uncomfortable questions over cuts to police numbers during her time as interior minister, amid accusations that the attackers in Manchester and London Bridge had slipped through the intelligence net. Security tightened Security on voting day was reviewed following the London attack, with the city's Metropolitan Police force implementing a "specialist and highly flexible operation" which it said could be deployed as needed. Polling stations, many located in schools and community centres, opened at 7:00am (0600 GMT) and will close at 10:00pm, with 49.6 million registered voters electing a total of 650 MPs to parliament. Overall turnout in the 2015 general election was 66.4 percent. An exit poll will give an indication of the outcome, although final results will not emerge until early Friday. As the Conservatives and Labour trade blows, the smaller pro-European Liberal Democrats and the pro-Brexit UK Independence Party (UKIP) have failed to gain much traction.

In shadow of terror, Britons vote in key election

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday confirmed a third citizen had died in the jihadist attack in London after police searching for a missing Frenchman found a body in the River Thames.

&quot;We received confirmation of the new toll this morning. There are three deaths and eight injuries on the French side,&quot; Macron said, deploring the &quot;heavy toll these attacks have taken on us&quot;.

London police said earlier they had recovered a body from the river in their search for Xavier Thomas, a 45-year-old missing since the weekend attack.

The body was found late on Tuesday about two kilometres (1.2 miles) downstream from London Bridge, where Saturday&#39;s truck-ramming and knife attacks began.

&quot;Formal identification has not yet taken place, however, Mr&nbsp;Thomas&#39; next of kin have been informed of this development,&quot; the police said.

Thomas, who was visiting London for the weekend with his girlfriend, has not been seen since Saturday&#39;s assault which was claimed by the Islamic State group.

If the body is identified as his, he would be an eighth victim.

The current death toll stands at seven people after three assailants wearing fake suicide vests mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and launched a stabbing spree in bars in nearby Borough Market.

Police had issued an appeal for information about Thomas on Tuesday, saying he and his girlfriend were walking over the bridge when the attack started and that he might have been struck by the van and thrown into the river.

His girlfriend, who was hit by the vehicle, is seriously injured in hospital.

(AFP)

"We received confirmation of the new toll this morning. There are three deaths and eight injuries on the French side," Macron said

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday confirmed a third citizen had died in the jihadist attack in London after police searching for a missing Frenchman found a body in the River Thames. "We received confirmation of the new toll this morning. There are three deaths and eight injuries on the French side," Macron said, deploring the "heavy toll these attacks have taken on us". London police said earlier they had recovered a body from the river in their search for Xavier Thomas, a 45-year-old missing since the weekend attack. The body was found late on Tuesday about two kilometres (1.2 miles) downstream from London Bridge, where Saturday's truck-ramming and knife attacks began. "Formal identification has not yet taken place, however, Mr Thomas' next of kin have been informed of this development," the police said. Thomas, who was visiting London for the weekend with his girlfriend, has not been seen since Saturday's assault which was claimed by the Islamic State group. If the body is identified as his, he would be an eighth victim. The current death toll stands at seven people after three assailants wearing fake suicide vests mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and launched a stabbing spree in bars in nearby Borough Market. Police had issued an appeal for information about Thomas on Tuesday, saying he and his girlfriend were walking over the bridge when the attack started and that he might have been struck by the van and thrown into the river. His girlfriend, who was hit by the vehicle, is seriously injured in hospital. (AFP)

London Bridge attack: Third French victim confirmed after body recovered from Thames

The mother of the Italian-Moroccan jihadi who helped carry out the London Bridge attack last weekend that killed 8 people has said she is &ldquo;ashamed&rdquo; to mourn her son. 
&nbsp; 
Valeria Khadija Collina spoke in an interview with Italy&#39;s L&#39;Espresso news magazine about her son, Youssef Zaghba, 22, one of the perpetrators of the June 3 attack. 
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Youssef Zaghba, 22, one of the perpetrators of the London Bridge attack on June 3. (Reuters)
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&nbsp;

.She said she could understand the pain of her son&rsquo;s victims.

&nbsp;&quot;I have no words, it is too big. I say I can understand their pain because as a mother I feel it too,&rdquo; she said. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;But I don&#39;t even have the courage to compare my pain to theirs. It&#39;s as if I were ashamed to say &#39;I&#39;m also a mother, I&#39;m also suffering.&rdquo; 
&nbsp; 
Collina said she had tried to keep her son from falling under the sway of Islamic State ideology, but the Internet and his London friends changed him. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;When children make mistakes, parents always feel some guilt. But I did my best, and I think he was worn down on the inside,&quot; she said. Collina lives near the northern city of Bologna. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;We always kept track of his friends and made sure he didn&#39;t fall in with the wrong people. But he had Internet and that&#39;s where everything comes from,&quot; she said. 
&nbsp; 
She said she last spoke to her son two days before the attack and that in retrospect she realises it was a &ldquo;goodbye call&quot;.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Even though he didn&#39;t say anything in particular, I could hear it in his voice,&rdquo; she told L&rsquo;Espresso.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Zaghba was stopped at the airport in Bologna in 2016 when he was trying to get to Syria via Turkey, city prosecutor Giuseppe Amato told broadcaster Radio24 on Tuesday. 
&nbsp; 
Italian media said Zaghba was born in the Moroccan city of Fez in 1995 but had broken off relations with his Moroccan father. He lived in Morocco for much of his life but made short visits to his mother. 
&nbsp;

(WION)

'I have no words, it is too big. I say I can understand their pain because as a mother I feel it too,' she told Italy's L'Espresso news magazine

The mother of the Italian-Moroccan jihadi who helped carry out the London Bridge attack last weekend that killed 8 people has said she is “ashamed” to mourn her son. Valeria Khadija Collina spoke in an interview with Italy's L'Espresso news magazine about her son, Youssef Zaghba, 22, one of the perpetrators of the June 3 attack. Youssef Zaghba, 22, one of the perpetrators of the London Bridge attack on June 3. (Reuters) × .She said she could understand the pain of her son’s victims. "I have no words, it is too big. I say I can understand their pain because as a mother I feel it too,” she said. “But I don't even have the courage to compare my pain to theirs. It's as if I were ashamed to say 'I'm also a mother, I'm also suffering.” Collina said she had tried to keep her son from falling under the sway of Islamic State ideology, but the Internet and his London friends changed him. "When children make mistakes, parents always feel some guilt. But I did my best, and I think he was worn down on the inside," she said. Collina lives near the northern city of Bologna. "We always kept track of his friends and made sure he didn't fall in with the wrong people. But he had Internet and that's where everything comes from," she said. She said she last spoke to her son two days before the attack and that in retrospect she realises it was a “goodbye call". “Even though he didn't say anything in particular, I could hear it in his voice,” she told L’Espresso. Zaghba was stopped at the airport in Bologna in 2016 when he was trying to get to Syria via Turkey, city prosecutor Giuseppe Amato told broadcaster Radio24 on Tuesday. Italian media said Zaghba was born in the Moroccan city of Fez in 1995 but had broken off relations with his Moroccan father. He lived in Morocco for much of his life but made short visits to his mother. (WION)

London attacker Youssef Zaghba's mother 'ashamed' to mourn her son

Australian police on Monday shot dead a gunman in the city of Melbourne who had been holding a woman hostage, police said, a confrontation for which the militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said police were treating the deadly siege in the southern city of Melbourne as an &quot;act of terrorism&quot; after a claim by the Islamic State group that one of its fighters was the gunman responsible.

Australia, a staunch ally of the United States and its escalating action against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, has been on high alert for attacks by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East or their supporters.

Three police officers were hurt in a stand-off lasting more than an hour at an apartment building in the beachside suburb of Brighton, police said in a statement. A second man had earlier been found dead from a gunshot wound, they said.

Victoria state police tried to negotiate with the&nbsp;man inside the&nbsp;apartment, they said in a post on their official account on social network Twitter, adding, &quot;It&#39;s believed a woman is with him whom he won&#39;t allow to leave.&quot;

An hour later, police said the situation had been resolved with the woman rescued.

Three police employees suffered injuries during the incidents but they were not life-threatening, police said, without elaborating.

Later, Islamic State said one of its fighters carried out the attack because of Australia&#39;s membership in the US-led coalition.

&quot;The attack in Melbourne, Australia was carried out by a soldier of the Islamic State in response to the call for targeting the subjects of the coalition states,&quot; the group&#39;s Amaq news agency said.

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Islamic State said one of its fighters carried out the attack. (Reuters)
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(Reuters)

Three police officers were hurt in a stand-off lasting more than an hour at an apartment building in a suburb of Brighton

Australian police on Monday shot dead a gunman in the city of Melbourne who had been holding a woman hostage, police said, a confrontation for which the militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility. Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said police were treating the deadly siege in the southern city of Melbourne as an "act of terrorism" after a claim by the Islamic State group that one of its fighters was the gunman responsible. Australia, a staunch ally of the United States and its escalating action against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, has been on high alert for attacks by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East or their supporters. Three police officers were hurt in a stand-off lasting more than an hour at an apartment building in the beachside suburb of Brighton, police said in a statement. A second man had earlier been found dead from a gunshot wound, they said. Victoria state police tried to negotiate with the man inside the apartment, they said in a post on their official account on social network Twitter, adding, "It's believed a woman is with him whom he won't allow to leave." An hour later, police said the situation had been resolved with the woman rescued. Three police employees suffered injuries during the incidents but they were not life-threatening, police said, without elaborating. Later, Islamic State said one of its fighters carried out the attack because of Australia's membership in the US-led coalition. "The attack in Melbourne, Australia was carried out by a soldier of the Islamic State in response to the call for targeting the subjects of the coalition states," the group's Amaq news agency said. Islamic State said one of its fighters carried out the attack. (Reuters) × (Reuters)

Melbourne siege an act of terrorism: PM Turnbull

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