Police investigating the Westminster attack have concluded that Khalid Masood acted entirely alone, and the motive for his actions may never be known. The Metropolitan Police stated that the entire attack, in which Masood killed four people before being shot dead, lasted just 82 seconds.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the senior national coordinator for UK counter-terrorism policing, said: 'We still believe that Masood acted alone on the day and there is no information or intelligence to suggest there are further attacks planned.' He added that despite extensive inquiries, police may never understand why Masood carried out the attack.
Police have reconstructed the events of Wednesday 22 March. At 14:40:08, Masood's hire car mounted the pavement on Westminster Bridge, weaving along the footpath and road until crashing into the perimeter fence of the Palace of Westminster at 14:40:38. He left the car at 14:40:51 and was shot by a police firearms officer at 14:41:30.
Of the 11 people arrested after the attack, nine have been released with no further action. A 58-year-old man from Birmingham remains in custody, and a 32-year-old woman from Manchester has been released on bail. Police are investigating reports that Masood used WhatsApp shortly before the attack, but the statement confirming he was a lone actor does not support suggestions of an accomplice.
Basu praised the response of communities across London and the UK, saying: 'The way that communities in London, and throughout the UK, have come together in the wake of this attack shows that we will not give in to those who seek to breed discord and fear.' He appealed for anyone who spoke to Masood in recent months to contact police.
