Revealed: Terrifying weapons used by attackers in London Bridge atrocity

The killers tried to hire a lorry hours before the attack
The van used in the London Bridge attacks
PA
Fiona Simpson10 June 2017

Shocking images of a pink 12-inch knife used by terrorist Khuram Butt to slaughter victims at London Bridge have been released by police, as they revealed the killers planned to use a lorry.

Scotland Yard also shared pictures of crudely crafted home-made petrol bombs found crammed into the back of a van used by Butt and accomplices Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, to mow down pedestrians in last Saturday’s attack.

It came as they revealed the ringleader tried to hire a 7.5 tonne lorry hours before the attack.

Detectives suspect the carnage inflicted could have been even worse if Khuram Butt had not failed to secure the vehicle because his payment did not go through.

Instead he resorted to "plan B" and rented a white van which ploughed into pedestrians as the perpetrators launched their deadly rampage last Saturday night, killing eight victims and injuring dozens more.

Bound with black tape, the blades which helped kill and maim revellers were ceramic, possibly so the murderers could avoid metal detectors, police believe.

Terror: The knife found hung on Butt's arm
Met Police

Each of the men carried an identical blade as they inflicted the outrage on Borough Market.

Material tethered to one hilt is shown saturated with blood and was apparently designed so killer Khuram Butt could strap it to his wrist, Met Police commander Dean Haydon said.

In an image of the white rented vehicle, at least two of the crude explosives could be seen at the door of the passenger seat, alongside two blow torches.

The flammable liquid was put inside 13 wine bottles, some of which were labelled "Baywood: Fruity Rose", and had rags tied to their lids, police said.

Crude explosives: Home-made petrol bombs were found inside the van
PA

Inside the van, gravel, chairs and a red suitcase can be seen, which detectives believe were props for a cover story the terrorists used to justify the rental to their families.

And strapped to the trio's waists as they leapt from its doors were fake suicide belts, composed of plastic water bottles wrapped in grey duct tape.

Horror attack: Furniture and gravel was used to disguise the plot
PA

The images were released following an extensive investigation into the atrocity that left eight people dead and dozens more injured.

Butt, 27, was on bail when the trio struck after being arrested over a “low level” fraud case, police said.

Warnings: Khuram Butt, the London Bridge terrorist
Noble/Draper

The Barking resident, who was a fervent Isis supporter was held in relation to the allegation in October 2016 and the case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

He was about to be released from bail and told he would face no further action.

Shocking footage: Khuram Butt appeared in Channel 4's The Jihadi Next Door
Channel 4

The men, who were shot dead by police eight minutes after terrified residents called 999, wore fake suicide belts during the attack.

Mr Haydon said the belts were tested by explosives officers who found they were not viable.

Terrorists: Khuram Shazad Butt, Rachid Redouane, Youssef Zaghba

"I can only assume they were part of trying to cause fear amongst people who came across them," the senior officer said.

On Tuesday counter-terror officers raided a top-floor bedsit in Barking Road, east London, which had been rented by Redouane since April.

This address is being treated as the "safe house" where the three men plotted the attack.

Heroes of London Bridge attack - in pictures

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At the bedsit, police discovered an English language copy of the Koran opened at a page describing martyrdom, pieces of cloth which appeared to match material wrapped around the petrol bombs, and water bottles similar to those used in the fake suicide vests.

Luggage straps, plastic retractable craft knives and rolls of duct tape were also found.

Vigil for London Bridge terror attack

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The photos were released as a 28-year-old man was held on suspicion of terror offences following a raid in east London.

Officers entered a residential address in Barking shortly after 2am on Saturday.

It brings to seven the number of people being held in custody in connection with the atrocity that left eight dead and dozens injured.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0800 789 321 or visit gov.uk/ACT

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