In the early hours of Monday morning, June 19, a van reportedly drove into pedestrians near the Finsbury Park Mosque in north London, injuring several people.
According to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the incident was treated as a terror attack and the Counter-Terrorism Command is already investigating into it. Moreover, UK Prime Minister Theresa May also addressed the situation to the reporters and called it a terror attack. She also initiated an emergency cabinet meeting which was participated by Cabinet members, security and police personnel.
"This was an attack on Muslims near their place of worship and, like all terrorism in whatever form, it shares the same fundamental goal,” The prime minister told media reporters. “It seeks to drive us apart and to break the precious bonds of solidarity and citizenship which we share in this country.”
Mosque attack suspect
The police authorities have identified the driver of the van as Darren Osborne. He is a 47-year-old resident of Cardiff in Wales, as per CNN.
According to the police officials, Osborne was wrestled to the ground by a group of people from the public and was arrested at the scene. Osborne was being held on suspicion of terrorism offenses as well as murder, according to the police.
The Press Association reported that the neighbor of the suspect was shocked about what he did. Saleem Naema, Osborne’s neighbor, and a friend revealed that he “has been so normal” and he treated him fine.
"I know him. I've lived here for five years. He was already living here when I moved in," Naema reportedly said. He also added that whenever he needed anything, Osborne was always there to help and that it’s hard for him to believe his friendly neighbor would commit such a crime.
Osborne’s mother, nephew, and sister reportedly said in a statement that they still cannot believe him doing it and the incident “hasn’t really sunk in.” Moreover, they added that their hearts go out to the victims of the attack.
One dead, 11 people injured
All the victims of the terror attack were Muslims. One found dead, but the police are still investigating whether he was killed during the assault.
Police added that 11 people were injured – nine were taken to the hospital while two were treated at the crime scene.
Met Police chief Cressida Dick, who took part during the vigil night, said that the incident was clearly an attack on Muslims.
