'Islamic' attack in London, arrests in Birmingham

Police: "It is Islamic terrorism." Five dead and 40 wounded in the attack near the Houses of Parliament. Theresa May: "The bomber was a lone wolf." The identity of the terrorists has not yet been revealed. The investigations focus on possible accomplices. Seven arrests overnight.

London (AsiaNews) - Five people died and 40 were injured in a terrorist attack near the Houses of Parliament in London. Deputy Commissioner Mark Rowley, top anti-terrorism official of the Metropolitan Police, said that at present the investigative hypothesis is that the bomber was "inspired by international terrorism" and "Islamic terrorism", but he declined to give his nationality or other details.

The British Prime Minister Theresa May said that it was the action of a "lone wolf." Police say they know the identity of the aggressor and that "investigations are underway on possible accomplices." During the night there were seven arrests across England, from the capital to Birmingham following a series of raids. The West Midlands city is now the focus of investigative efforts in search for links with the bomber.

The dynamics of the attack are reminiscent of Nice and Berlin attacks in 2016. Then the terrorists drove trucks into pedestrians.

At 14:40 the terrorist arrived on Westminster Bridge with his car, near the Houses of Parliament, driving himself into the crowd, killing at least two pedestrians. Many others were injured. After the car crashed into the fence of the House of Parliament. Armed with a knife, the attacker ran towards the parliament, where he was confronted by police. One officer, unarmed, was stabbed and killed. The terrorist was then shot dead by armed police who rushed to the scene.