Motive unknown for 82 seconds of mayhem
was over in 82 seconds, and left a trail of death and destruction in one of the most picturesque parts of London that has long been the heart of Britain’s democracy – but Scotland Yard says it may never know why UK-born Khalid Masood did it.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility, but police have so far not come across any reason for the attack. Most people arrested have been released. Details of Masood’s life and his time before he drove to London on the day have been traced.
Detailed police analysis reveals that Masood’s attack started last Wednesday at (GMT) 14:40:08 on the Westminster Bridge, when he drove his car on the pavement full of people, killing three and leaving many injured, some critically.
Masood, 52, continued towards Bridge Street along both the footpath and road until 14:40:38 before crashing into the perimeter fence of the Palace of Westminster. At 14:40:59, the first 999 call was made to Scotland Yard reporting the incident. Masood, who had some previous convictions but was not on the radar of intelligence agencies, then left the vehicle and was shot by a police officer inside the palace’s boundary.
Neil Basu, who is the Yard’s senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, said: “Whilst the attack lasted only 82 seconds it will remain in the memories of many forever.”
“We still believe that Masood acted alone on the day…We must all accept that there is a possibility we will never understand why he did this.”