PM rejects Trump’s ‘unhelpful’ speculations

Theresa May has rebuked Donald Trump over his claim the perpetrators of the Parsons Green Tube bombing had been “in the sights” of Scotland Yard.

After chairing a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergencies committee, the prime minister said it was not “helpful” to speculate on what was an ongoing investigation.

She said the police and security services were still working to identify those responsible for the attack on the packed commuter train.

The president’s intervention threatened to place fresh strain on the US-UK intelligence-sharing relationship which has come under pressure a number of times since he entered the White House.

In a trademark tweet issued within hours of the blast, Mr Trump wrote: “Another attack in London by a loser terrorist.

“These are sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard. Must be proactive!”

The Metropolitan Police said the US president’s comments – which did not correspond with any information released by the UK authorities – were “unhelpful” and “pure speculation”.

The latest spat comes after British police temporarily suspended intelligencesharing with the US in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing following leaks to American media.

Armed police were out in force following the incident

Investigating officers stand on the station’s platform