‘Wake-up call over messaging online’

TheWestminster attack must be a “wakeup call” for technology giants over their efforts to tackle terrorist content online, the acting head of Scotland Yard has warned.

Craig Mackey delivered a stark message to platforms which have come under fire for hosting extremist material, calling on them to grasp what it means to “put your own house in order”.

Facebook, Google and Twitter are among firms that have repeatedly faced calls to do more to detect and remove jihadist and other extreme videos and web pages.

Mr Mackey, the acting commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, was addressing the London Assembly’s police and crime committee.

He stopped short of identifying any individual companies, but said: “If you are going to have ethical statements and talk about operating in an ethical way it actually has to mean something.”

The debate flared up after it emerged information on how to mount an attack was easily accessible in the wake of Khalid Masood’s rampage.

In other developments a week on from the atrocity:

Mr Mackey revealed the Met registered a “slight uplift” in Islamophobic incidents on the day after the outrage, but the rise was “far smaller than in previous events”.

An inquest for the four victims was opened and adjourned atWestminster Coroner’s Court.

“Ethical statements actually have to mean something”

The family of Romanian Andreea Cristea, in a critical condition after she fell from Westminster Bridge into the Thames in the attack, said they are “overwhelmed by the love, support and respect” shown for her.

It was announced that Pc Keith Palmer will be laid to rest in a full police service funeral next month, while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join victims’ families at a special service.