Man dies and eight injured after van hits pedestrians in a “potential terrorist attack”

The incident took place near Finsbury Park

A man died and eight people were injured after a van hit pedestrians near Finsbury Park mosque in a “potential terrorist attack” last night.

Heavy police presence near Finsbury Park for an unknown reason at the moment. pic.twitter.com/gsxOtaA3LC

— Ersin Satlyk (@e_sklt) June 19, 2017

In a statement, The Metropolitan Police said: “Met Police were called just after 0020hrs to reports of a vehicle in collision with pedestrians. Officers attended alongside other emergency services and found and tended to a number of casualties.

10 People Injured 7 Minor Injuries 3 Seriously Injured #London #FinsburyParkpic.twitter.com/HJ7av1nPUI

— Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) June 19, 2017

“One man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers are in the process of informing next of kin. A post mortem examination will be scheduled due course.

“Eight people injured were taken to three separate hospitals; two people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.”

BREAKING |

At least 10 people were run over near Finsbury Park in #London. Helicopters & police cars on scenepic.twitter.com/gNDbSVJE3z

— Vocal Europe (@thevocaleurope) June 19, 2017

The police said it an investigation of the incident is being carried out by the counter terrorism command.

“Due to the nature of this incident extra policing resources have been deployed in order to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramadan,” the police added.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:

“The Metropolitan Police are responding to a horrific terrorist attack on innocent people in Finsbury Park.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. I am grateful to our emergency services, who responded quickly and have been working on the scene throughout the night.

“We don’t yet know the full details, but this was clearly a deliberate attack on innocent Londoners, many of whom were finishing prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.

“While this appears to be an attack on a particular community, like the terrible attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge it is also an assault on all our shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect.”