Terrorist’s wife ‘saddened and shocked’

‘I totally condemn his actions’, she says

The wife of Westminster attacker Khalid Masood has said she is “saddened and shocked” by the atrocity, saying she “condemns” his actions.

Rohey Hydara spoke out after Masood’s mother, Janet Ajao, said she had “shed many tears” for her son’s victims.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Ms Hydara said: “I am saddened and shocked by what Khalid has done. I totally condemn his actions.

“I express my condolences to the families of the victims that have died, and wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.

“I would like to request privacy for our family, especially the children, at this difficult time.”

Masood killed four people in an 82-second rampage in Westminster last Wednesday.

The 52-year-old was shot dead by armed police after fatally stabbing PC Keith Palmer, 48, in the Palace of Westminster’s cobbled forecourt.

Separate inquests into the deaths will begin this week.

IS called Masood “a soldier of the Islamic State” following the attack, but the announcement was greeted with scepticism from commentators, with many noting that the terror group has a record of opportunistically claiming attacks.

Scotland Yard has said there is “no evidence” that the Muslim convert was linked to Islamic State or al Qaida.

His mother said she is “deeply shocked, saddened and numbed” by her son’s actions.

Mrs Ajao said she had “shed many tears” for the victims and did not condone the attack or the beliefs that led Masood to commit the “atrocity”.

Meanwhile, security has been enhanced around Windsor Castle ahead of the Changing The Guard ceremony following the attack.

Barriers were put in place around the royal residence in Berkshire on Monday evening to support existing road closures, Thames Valley Police said.

The force said the changes were “proportionate and necessary” but that there was “no specific threat to Windsor” ahead of the next Changing The Guard on Wednesday.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Hardcastle said: “While there is no intelligence to indicate a specific threat to Windsor, recent events in Westminster clearly highlight the need for extra security measures to be introduced.

“The force believes that it is proportionate and necessary to put in place extra security measures to further protect and support the public and the guard change.”

Picture: PA. Security barriers in place outside of Windsor Castle which have been put in position to add extra security to the Changing of the Guard.