A report in the Westminster Bridge terror attack has told police they should review how suspects are questioned about their religion.

Max Hill QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, made the recommendation in a review of the investigation launched following the Westminster attack in March last year, called Operation Classific.



Twelve people were arrested in the wake of the murderous rampage by Khalid Masood, who was shot dead after killing five people, but they were all released with no further action.



Those arrested included Masood's relatives, friends and people who lived at Birmingham addresses that he had used.



Mr Hill's report found that none of the suspects were arrested on the grounds of their ethnicity or religion, but that some were quizzed about their faith due to Masood's extremist views and support of Islamic State.



He said: "I regard this as providing a justification for the religious context of some of the questions posed in interviews during Operation Classific.



"However, every interview is case specific and it does not follow that it would be appropriate to ask very detailed religious questions in every case where a Muslim has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related activity.



"I therefore recommend, in the interest of clarity, that the police take this opportunity to review training on the circumstances and extent to which such questions will be necessary in future interviews.



"I accept, however, that questioning detainees about religion or any other matter occurs with careful thought and planning."



Mr Hill's 44-page assessment also called for "greater thought and clarity" on whether and when it is necessary to transport detainees sometimes hundreds of miles from where they are arrested. Three of the individuals were arrested in Birmingham but questioned in London.



In another finding, the senior barrister recommended that ministers consider giving police the option to release suspects arrested under the Terrorism Act on bail before charge.



Mr Hill concluded that a consequence of the circumstances and pace of the post-attack investigation turned out to be the arrest and detention of 12 people "whom it transpired were not culpable and who were consequently all released without charge and, in police language, NFA'd (no further action)".



The reviewer added: "Having analysed the hour-by-hour events as they unfolded, I conclude that it would be wrong to criticise Op Classific for the number of arrest and detention authorisations.



"Doing the best that I can to recreate the investigation 'in the moment', based upon all of the investigation materials made available to me, it seems to me that each such decision was reasonable and proportionate at the time."



Security Minister Ben Wallace said: "Our comprehensive terrorism legislation gives the police the powers they need to investigate terrorist atrocities and we were all witness to their swift and effective work following the Westminster attack.



"We are pleased that Max Hill QC has concluded that the investigation was impressive, flexible and fast-moving." </s> Watchdog concludes that it is not always appropriate to ask detailed religious questions of detainees

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This article is more than 1 year old

Police were “reasonable and proportionate” in arresting 12 innocent people after the Westminster terrorist attack, but should review when it’s right to interrogate suspects about their religious views, an official report has said.

The 12 people were arrested after Khalid Masood first mowed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four people, before running into the grounds of parliament before he stabbed PC Keith Palmer to death.

The report into the police investigation by Max Hill QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, concludes that detectives from Scotland Yard’s counter terrorism command got it right and mounted an “impressive” operation.

Westminster victims remembered on first anniversary of attack Read more

Police officers, under Operation Classific, hunted for any accomplices to the 22 March 2017 attack, which was the first mass casualty terrorist atrocity to strike Britain in over a decade.

Those arrested were mainly British Muslim, though did include Hungarian and Saudi nationals as well as Masood’s wife.

All were released without charge having come under suspicion for reasons ranging from repeated phone or electronic contact with Masood, connection with an address Masood had lived at in Birmingham and placing money in his bank account for professional reasons.

Hill said questioning people about their religion will cause “understandable concern”, but police believed the attack may have been incited by the violent extremist ideology of Islamic State.



Masood sent a document via WhatsApp and an Apple iMessage justifying violence to a number of people while behind the wheel of the vehicle he used to stage the attack. The document contained passages from the Qu’ran and was called “Retaliation”.

Hill said: “Operation Classific did not lead to the arrest and detention of any person based on ethnicity or religion.

“When challenged by me as to why questions about religious belief and adherence were asked during post-arrest interviews, Operation Classific officers pointed to the religious extremist nature of Masood’s views and intention, evidenced in his final communications before crossing Westminster Bridge on 22 March. The police reasonably believed there was a ‘pro-Islamic State’ element to the attack that day.”

The independent reviewer, a barrister by profession, said police should carry out a review: “It does not follow that it would be appropriate to ask detailed religious questions in every case where a Muslim has been arrested on suspicion of [terrorism].

“I therefore recommend, in the interest of clarity, that the police take this opportunity to review training on the circumstances and extent to which such questions will be necessary in future interviews. I accept, however, that questioning detainees about religion or any other matter occurs with careful thought and planning.”

Hill praised the police operation: “It is against that background that Operation Classific amounted to what in my view was an impressive, flexible, fast-moving investigation which appeared to face significant challenges, but which reached fruition over several days, where a longer exercise might have been understandable or expected.”

The security minister, Ben Wallace, said: “Our comprehensive terrorism legislation gives the police the powers they need to investigate terrorist atrocities and we were all witness to their swift and effective work following the Westminster attack.

“We are pleased that Max Hill QC has concluded that the investigation was impressive, flexible and fast-moving.”

Hill said none of the 12 arrested co-operated with his review. </s> A man has been arrested by armed police near the houses of parliament on suspicion of acts of terrorism, and knives have been recovered from him.

No injuries have been reported and police said the incident was no longer ongoing. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he had been briefed by the Met commissioner Cressida Dick on the arrest.

Pictures from the scene showed forensic officers examining knives on the pavement near where the arrest took place.



An eyewitness told BuzzFeed News he saw knives spill out of a backpack when the arrest was made.

Police said a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, and on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism.



The Metropolitan police said he was arrested at 2:22pm following a stop and search as part of an ongoing investigation.



“He is being detained under the Terrorism Act and is in custody in a south London police station,” the statement said.



“Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation, and as a result of this arrest there is no immediate known threat.”

A man has been arrested in Whitehall this afternoon, at approximately 14:22, following a stop and search as part of an ongoing operation. The 27-year-old man was arrested in Parliament Street, junction with Parliament Square, by armed officers from the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. Knives have been recovered from him. He is being detained under the Terrorism Act and is in custody in a south London police station. Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation, and as a result of this arrest there is no immediate known threat.

An area around Whitehall near the Treasury building was closed following the arrest, and armed police were seen in the streets.



A witness told BuzzFeed News he had seen a man being held against the wall by armed officers.



“On the floor was a backpack with knives falling out of it,” said Luke William, 28, from Southampton, who was driving through Westminster at the time. “Lots of police, lots of traffic, as you can imagine.”

The arrest came on the day that prorogation takes place in parliament, marking the end of the parliamentary session. Most MPs were not in the Commons today, but many members of the House of Lords were present.

Security has been increased in Westminster following last month’s deadly attack in which Khalid Masood killed four people before being shot dead by armed police. </s> Here is the full statement on the Westminster terror attack made by Mark Rowley just now:

"Good morning - I am here to update you on our ongoing counter-terrorism operation following the horrific attack in Westminster.

"Greater clarity is now developing regarding the casualty figures as we have now collated information from the public and five hospitals - the latest figures I have are that there are currently four dead and 29 people were treated in hospital.

"We are still collating numbers of walking wounded and of those in hospital sadly seven of them are in a critical condition.

"Tragically the deaths included Pc Keith Palmer who was protecting Parliament, and two members of the public - a woman aged in her mid 40s and a man aged in his mid 50s.

"The fourth man of course was the terrorist who was shot dead by armed police at the scene.

"Hundreds of detectives have been working through the night and during that time I can confirm we have searched six addresses - and made seven arrests. The inquiries in Birmingham, London and other parts of the country continue.

"It is still our belief - which continues to be born out by our investigation - that this attacker acted alone yesterday and was inspired by international terrorism.

"To be explicit - at this stage, we have no specific information about further threats to the public.

"Clearly our investigation is ongoing - developing all the time - and is focused on his motivation, his preparation and associates.

"I do recognise that the media are making progress in identifying the attacker - I would continue to ask that his name is not published whilst we are at such a sensitive stage in our investigation - and as I state still conducting arrests and searches.

"The large and complicated crime scene remains in place and our work there continues - I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience as we finish this work.

"As people are out and about on the streets of the Capital this morning they will see more police officers on duty - armed and unarmed - and a mix of British Transport Police and the City of London.

"We have cancelled some leave and increased some duty hours and are working to make sure that we can out in force to reassure the public.

"We must not allow terrorists to create discord, distrust and fear.

"The police stand with all communities - later today a meeting of faith leaders will be held here at New Scotland Yard.

"Whilst our work to investigate and understand what happened yesterday continues with vigour - we must also reflect.

"I want to thank the public for their support and all their good wishes - I know it is appreciated by all those men and women who are out there today protecting us.

"Finally, I would also like to ask the public for their continued help and continued vigilance and if you see anything that causes you concern or raises your suspicions do not hesitate to call us - 0800 789 321 - or in an emergency 999. Thank you." </s> Scotland Yard on Thursday said it foiled a terror attack and arrested a 27-year-old man armed with knives near the UK Parliament on terrorism charges, a month after a lone wolf attack left five people dead near the highly guarded Westminster. The suspect was carrying a rucksack containing knives when he was detained “following a stop and search as part of an ongoing operation”, police said.

Whitehall, the political heart of London which houses Downing Street and other government buildings culminating in Parliament Square, and Parliament Street were closed to traffic as Metropolitan Police officers and forensics officers continued their investigation.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the man has been arrested under the UK’s Terrorism Act and is being questioned at a south London police station.

“The 27-year-old man was arrested in Parliament Street, junction with Parliament Square, by armed officers from the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism,” Met Police said in a statement.

“Knives have been recovered from him,” it added.

Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation in the area but police stressed there was no immediate known threat to the public following the incident, which took place just yards from the British Prime Minister’s official residence on Downing Street.

Prime Minister Theresa May was not in Downing Street during the police operation in Whitehall, her spokesman said.

She was informed about the incident by officials.

May later said: “I think it shows that our police and our intelligence and security services are on the alert, as they always are, looking to keep us safe and secure.”

According to reports, the arrest was the result of an ongoing anti-terrorism operation and that the arrested man was on the radar of intelligence officers.

Images from the site of the arrest on Parliament Square showed two officers handcuffing a man, whose hands looked wrapped with a white bandage.

Eyewitnesses described seeing a back-pack lying on the ground near the suspect along with two knives – one referred to as a large bread knife.

They said the suspect being arrested looked calm while officers handcuffed him.

Security was instantly further beefed up in central London and several police helicopters could be heard on patrol.

Westminster area of London remains on high alert since the terror attack on Parliament on March 22, which claimed five lives including terror suspect Khalid Masood.

The British Muslim suspect had mounted the pavement in a car at high speed after mowing down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing a police officer at the gates of Parliament.

The gates of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the Parliament building, were quickly closed down as today’s arrest unfolded.

The terrorism threat level for the UK remains at severe, which means an attack is assessed to be highly likely.

For all the latest World News, download Indian Express App now </s> Armed officers have arrested a man in connection with preparing a terror attack just yards from Downing Street.

Police say the 27-year-old was carrying a rucksack containing several knives, which are being examined by forensic officers.

Image: A man is led away by police after the arrest in Whitehall

The suspect was known to police prior to his arrest, according to Sky sources.

Roads were locked down as officers carried out the arrest - pushing the man to the ground before holding him at the scene.

No one was injured in the incident, and Whitehall has since reopened northbound.

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Image: The Prime Minister was not at Downing Street at the time of the incident

The Metropolitan Police said the man was stopped at 2.22pm on Thursday as part of an ongoing operation. He has been taken to a south London police station where he is being held under the Terrorism Act.

The arrest took place at the Parliament Street junction with Parliament Square, close to the scene of last month's terror attack which killed five people, including police officer Keith Palmer, on 22 March.

Image: A forensic investigator recovers a knife from the scene

Theresa May was not at Number 10 at the time of the incident.

Speaking from a General Election campaign event in Derbyshire, the Prime Minister said: "I'm aware that a man has been arrested in Whitehall today and that individual has been arrested on the basis of a terrorism charge.

"I think it shows that our police and intelligence and security services are on alert as they always are - looking to keep us safe and secure. I would say we owe a huge debt of gratitude to these people."

Forensics officers on scene of terror incident

London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "Thanks to all officers who dealt swiftly & professionally with the incident in Whitehall. The Met Commissioner has briefed me on the arrest."

A Met police statement said: "The man, aged in his late twenties, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. Knives have been recovered from him.

"Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation, and as a result of this arrest there is no immediate known threat."

Image: The moment the suspect was arrested

A builder working on the road nearby said: "I saw the police officers catch him. They caught him and got him on the ground."

Asked if the suspect was waving knives, acting aggressively or shouting, the witness said: "No."

Another witness said the suspect was "very calm" as he was arrested, and did not struggle as he was held on the ground. </s> A man armed with knives was on Thursday arrested near the on suspicion of planning a terror attack, said.

 

 The suspect was carrying a rucksack containing knives when he was detained "following a stop and search as part of an ongoing operation", police said.

Whitehall, the political heart of London which houses the and other government buildings culminating in Parliament Square, and were closed to traffic as Metropolitan Police officers and forensics officers continued their investigation.The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the man in his 20s has been arrested under the UK's Terrorism Act and is being questioned at a south London police station."The man was arrested in Parliament Street, junction with Parliament Square, by armed officers from the Met's Specialist Firearms Command. The man, aged in his late 20s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism," Met Police said in a statement."Knives have been recovered from him," it added.Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation in the area but police stressed there was no immediate known threat to the public following the incident.According to reports, the arrest was the result of an ongoing anti-terrorism operation and that the arrested man was on the radar of intelligence officers.Images from the site of the arrest showed two officers handcuffing a man, whose hands looked wrapped with a white bandage.Eyewitnesses described seeing a back-pack lying on the ground near the suspect along with two knives - one referred to as a large bread knife.Westminster area of London remains on high alert since the terror attack on Parliament on March 22, which claimed five lives including terror suspect Khalid Masood.The British Muslim suspect had mounted the pavement in a car at high speed after mowing down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing a police officer at the gates of Parliament.The gates of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the Parliament building, were quickly closed down as today's arrest unfolded. </s> These dramatic pictures show a collection of large knives found after a suspected terrorist was arrested in the heart of Westminster.

Witnesses reported seeing armed police swoop on the man - thought to be 27 - during a "stop and search" yards from Downing Street.

After the alleged planned attack was thwarted forensics officers photographed the knives and backpack on the floor, and collected the would-be weapons as evidence.

At least one of the kitchen knives appeared to have a blade about 6ins long as it was handled by officers at the scene.

Passers-by, including dozens of tourists, looked on as the bearded man was arrested just yards from the scene of last month's terror attack which left five victims and the assailant dead.

In Thursday's incident police swarmed on Whitehall shortly before 2.30pm and locked down the area around Parliament Street.

The suspect was tackled and arrested on a pavement near an entrance to Westminster Tube station.

Scotland Yard said no-one was injured in the incident.

The main gates to the Houses of Parliament - where PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death in last month's attack - were shut and armed officers were standing guard.

Counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation into the man's alleged plans for an alleged attack.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

He is being held at a south London police station.

A police spokesperson said: "A man has been arrested in Whitehall this afternoon, at approximately 14:22, following a stop and search as part of an ongoing operation.

"The 27-year-old man was arrested in Parliament Street, junction with Parliament Square, by armed officers from the Met's Specialist Firearms Command.

"He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. Knives have been recovered from him.

"He is being detained under the Terrorism Act and is in custody in a south London police station.

"Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation, and as a result of this arrest there is no immediate known threat." </s> British police on Thursday said armed officers arrested a man carrying knives near Prime Minister Theresa May’s office in Westminster on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.

“The 27-year-old man was detained by counter-terrorism officers on Parliament Street, a stone’s throw from the UK parliament building and May’s Downing Street office.

“He was arrested during a stop and search as part of an ongoing operation,’’ London police said.

May’s spokesman said the prime minister was not at Downing Street at the time; however no one was injured in the incident.

The incident came just over a month after a British-born convert to Islam ploughed a car into pedestrians on nearby Westminster Bridge, killing four people, before stabbing to death a police officer in the grounds of parliament.

“Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation, and as a result of this arrest there is no immediate known threat.

“The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

“Knives have been recovered from him,’’ police said in a statement.

A news agency said the man was being followed and tracked by police as part of a counter-terrorism operation when the arrest took place.

It added that pictures on social media showed a large group of heavily armed officers surrounding the suspect.

Police said the man was being held at a south London police station.

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A report by Max Hill QC, an independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, reviewing the police response to the March 2017 Westminster attack, concludes that the arrests of 12 people cleared of involvement were appropriate, as was the questioning of them on their religious beliefs.