London Bridge terror killers were pumped up on steroids
Mr Hough, counsel to the coroner, said: “Analysis of samples taken from the London Bridge attackers revealed the presence of DHEA, a steroid hormone, above the acceptable physiological range in each of the attackers.
“These findings suggest use of the steroid DHEA recently prior to death – ie, in a period ranging from several hours to days before death.
“A suitable expert has been instructed to prepare a report on the implications of these findings.”
Butt, 27, Redouane, 30, and Zaghba, 22, drove a van across London Bridge on the evening of Saturday June 3, then leapt out wearing fake suicide belts.
They ran through Borough Market, stabbing and slashing at people drinking and dining at pubs, bars and restaurants, before being shot dead by police.
The victims were Christine Pakistani-born Khuram Butt Police shot and killed the terrorists during the attack on London Bridge last June Archibald, 30, Xavier Thomas, 45, Alexandre Pigeard, Sara Zelenak, 21, Kirsty Boden, 28, Sebastien Belanger, 36, James McMullan, 32, and Ignacio Echeverria, 39.
Some of their relatives were in court yesterday as Chief Coroner Mark Lucraft QC opened proceedings by offering condolences.
Referring to the “dramatic events” just three months after the previous London attack, he said: “Central London and another iconic bridge were the scenes of shocking events that devastated the lives of many.
“I hope the inquest will provide answers to the obvious and understandable questions that the families have and give comfort in such difficult circumstances.” He ruled that two separate inquests would be carried out – the first to examine the victims’ deaths, the second for the attackers.
Mr Hough said the inquests were of great public importance and would be “full, rigorous and fair”.
The inquiry will examine how much MI5 knew about Butt, a Pakistani-born British fanatic.