REVEALED: THE MIDDLE CLASS JIHADI

Westminster killer grew up in Home Counties comfort but became Islamist in jail after turning to drugs and crime

THE appalling descent of a middle- class schoolboy into a bloodthirsty Islamist killer was laid bare last night.

Khalid Masood, 52, had grown up in comfort in Kent and Sussex before turning his back on his wellto- do background after he was radicalised in jail. He had been in a serious relationship with successful businesswoman Jane Harvey, with whom he had lived in a £700,000 countryside home. His parents live in a pretty cottage in rural Wales, where his mother sells hand-made cushions and bags. But despite his beginnings, the father of three was inspired by the atrocities of Islamic State to unleash his attack.

Last night a probe continued into whether he acted on his own or received help. Investigators have been shocked at how Masood plunged into extremism despite enjoying every privilege his education and loving

family brought. Former neighbours in his Sussex village said he blamed racism for falling into violent crime and petty offending. As the first pictures of him emerged: ÷Police were hunting for accomplices as it was revealed he was active on Whatsapp just minutes before launching his rampage; ÷The number of people arrested rose to 11, including Masood’s partner Rohey Hydara, 39, who lives at a house in east London’s Olympic park;

÷Detectives were examining CCTV of the jihadi scouting out his targets on foot before the attack;

÷Former school mates said Masood, then called Adrian Elms, was a popular footballer and talented singer with a wide circle of friends;

÷It was claimed he had used cocaine and bodybuilding steroids after being released from prison;

÷Masood was said to have been ‘laughing and joking’ with hotel staff in Brighton the night before the atrocity;

÷His fourth victim was named as 75-year-old former window cleaner Leslie Rhodes;

÷Theresa May warned internet giants they ‘must do more’ after the Daily Mail revealed ‘do-it-yourself’ terrorist guides were easily available online.

Muslim convert Masood killed three people with his hired 4x4 on Wednesday before his assault on Parliament. As well as Mr Rhodes, US tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, and motherof-two Aysha Frade, 43, died.

Of the more than 50 people injured, 17 were still being treated last night. Doctors said two were in a critical state, with one in a life-threatening condition. One of those hurt was Met police officer Kris Aves, 35, who suffered life-changing injuries.

Security services are studying how Masood transformed from a smiling schoolboy to a ‘soldier’ claimed by IS.

He had lived briefly in the capital, but grew up in the affluent towns of Rye, East Sussex, and Tunbridge Wells in Kent. It was only in recent years that he moved between shabby lets in extremist hotbeds, including London’s Forest Gate and Birmingham.

As part of a nationwide probe three people were arrested overnight on Thursday. In Manchester, a man of 35 was being questioned after a late-night raid in upmarket West Didsbury.

A 32-year- old woman was also detained in Manchester. Both were arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. In Birmingham, neighbours said a Saudi Arabian man was arrested ‘with a big smirk on his face’ in a dawn swoop. The raids followed the arrest of five men and three women within hours of the attack, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.

Parliament faced an urgent security review last night amid fears that ‘ unwelcoming’ armed officers were scaled down at its gates. Its authorities are investigating whether more could have been done to protect PC Keith Palmer.

They are examining changes made after politicians complained three years ago that marksmen were ‘off-putting’ and ‘unwelcoming’.

Questions remain over why Masood was shot dead by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon’s bodyguard instead of one of the gate team. One sen- ior MP said there were plans to enhance security to address concerns that unarmed officers had been left ‘vulnerable’.

Yesterday Scotland Yard’s Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Rowley said the investigation would focus on Masood’s ‘motivation, preparation and his associates’.

He said police would probe whether he ‘acted totally alone inspired by terrorist propaganda, or if others have encouraged, supported or directed him’. He added: ‘There might be people out there who did have concerns about Masood but did not feel comfortable for whatever reason in passing on those concerns.’

Last night, the Met said Miss Hydara was released on bail pending further inquiries. She had also been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Two women and four men aged 21 to 28, arrested in Birmingham, were released and will face no further action. Four others remain in custody.