Buckingham Palace terror: Knifeman drove at police shouting 'Allahu Akbar' before reaching for 4ft sword

Francesca Gillett26 August 2017
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The Buckingham Palace knifeman deliberately drove a car at police before "reaching for a four foot sword", Scotland Yard have said.

A counter-terror investigation has been launched after three officers were injured as they tackled a suspected attacker outside the royal home on Friday evening.

The man, who it has now emerged was a 26-year-old from Luton, drove his blue Toyota Prius car at a police vehicle in front of a restricted area of the Mall at just after 8.30pm.

Unarmed police got out of the van and approached the car, as the attacker tried to grab the weapon from the passenger seat footwell.

Three officers were hurt as they tackled the young man, who repeatedly shouted "Allahu Akbar", the Met Police said.

Police teams secure the roads outside Buckingham Palace
Getty Images

They used CS spray on the suspect as he was detained and arrested.

On Saturday morning, the Met said they are now treating the attack as terrorism.

An ambulance leaves the scene following the attack
Getty Images

Commander Dean Haydon, the head of the Met’s counter-terrorism squad, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and professionalism of these officers who quickly brought this incident under control. Their vigilance, courage and the swiftness of their response demonstrates how our officers are protecting the public at this time.

“Officers from the Counter Terrorism Command are now investigating and searches are being carried out in the Luton area today.

Police tape outside the royal home.
PA

“We believe the man was acting alone and we are not looking for other suspects at this stage. While we cannot speculate on what the man was intending to do - this will be determined during the course of the investigation - it is only right that we investigate this as a terrorist incident at this time."

Commander Haydon added: "This is a timely reminder that the threat from terrorism in the UK remains severe.

"The police, together with the security services, are doing everything we can to protect the public and we already have an enhanced policing plan over the Bank Holiday weekend to keep the public safe.

The officers suffered minor injuries during the arrest and were taken to hospital.

The suspect was arrested under the terrorism act and on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and assault on police.

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