Police chiefs say no threat in Scotland after London ‘attack’
POLICE Scotland has said there is no intelligence to suggest a terror attack could take place in this country after a car collided with cyclists and pedestrians outside the Houses of Parliament.
The force confirmed they will work with counter- terrorism colleagues from across the UK following the events in London yesterday.
Their comments come after a man, in his late 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of terror offences.
He was held in custody at a south London police station after armed officers swarmed the scene following the suspected terror attack just before 7.40am yesterday.
Images posted to social media showed a man, wearing a black puffer jacket, surrounded by police and being led away in handcuffs from a silver-coloured Ford Fiesta.
There was nobody else in the vehicle and no weapons were found, Scotland Yard has confirmed..
The force said the crash is being treated as a “terrorist incident” and the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terror command is leading the investigation.
Two people were taken to hospital, while a third person with minor injuries was assessed at the scene, the London Ambulance Service (LAS) said.
One was discharged from St Thomas’ Hospital before midday, while a woman is being treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries at St Mary’s Hospital.
Detective Chief Superintendent Gerry McLean, Police Scotland Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Following the incident at the Houses of Parliament, Police Scotland has been monitoring the ongoing situation and liaising with counter-terrorism colleagues across the United Kingdom.
“There is absolutely no intelligence or assessment to suggest Scotland is going to be the target of a terrorist attack. As per the statement from the Metropolitan Police Service in London, we do not believe there to be a wider risk to the public in the UK.
“As ever, we encourage the public to remain alert, not alarmed, but to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police as soon as possible.”
British Transport Police, however, said they were stepping up their patrols on trains and at stations across the country.
Superintendent Chris Horton, from British Transport Police, said: “We know incidents such as this are likely to cause concern, so our officers will be highly visible both on board trains and at stations.
“We are there to reassure the travelling public so please don’t be alarmed if you see our officers, including firearms officers, on your journey.”
The terrorist threat against the UK is seen as unprecedented.