Police Continue to Question Two Men over Parsons Green Explosion

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While threat level in UK is reduced from critical to severe

Police are continuing to question two men, aged 18 and 21 on Monday in connection with the terrorist attack on a District Line train at Parsons Green on Friday, 15 September.

As the threat level to the UK from international terrorism was redued from critical to severe, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, National Lead for Counter Terrorism Policing provided the following update on the Parsons Green Investigation.

He said: "The high pace and rapid progress of this investigation is continuing. There was another arrest overnight and two men are in custody. There are now two searches continuing at addresses in Surrey and we are getting a greater understanding of the preparation of the device.

"There is still much more to do but this greater clarity and this progress has led JTAC – the independent body that assess threat – to come to the judgement that an attack is no longer imminent. And you will have heard consequently the Home Secretary’s announcement that the threat level has reduced from Critical to Severe which of course means that an attack is highly likely.

"Members of the public will be wondering what that means in terms of their travel into work. For practical and precautionary reasons we made the decision that the increased resources will continue for the beginning of this week. So the public will still see that high level of policing presence; some armed, some unarmed.

"The military support we have had in place under Operation Temperer will start to phase out as we move through the coming week. There are detailed and well-rehearsed plans in place to ensure a smooth transition from Operation Temperer, and military personnel will remain at readiness to deploy in support of the police should future security situations require.

"I want to stress however, that specialist teams, well-rehearsed at dealing with major incidents, continue to provide a strong visible presence throughout the capital and across the UK.

"The last thing I would say to members of the public is that there is still a severe threat level. If you see something you are worried about or know somebody you are worried about don't hesitate, just ACT. Please call us on the Anti-Terrorism Hotline 0800 789 321 or report online by visiting ACT."

The two suspects were both arrested on Saturday. An 18 year-old man was arrested by Kent Police in the port area of Dover, and a second man aged 21 was arrested in Hounslow.

30 people are now known to have been injured during the attack, in which an improvised explosive device was detonated on a tube train at Parsons Green Underground Station at around 8.20am on Friday, 15 September.

Detectives from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command are continuing to urge anyone with information about the terrorist attack to contact police.

Anyone with footage or images from the incident is urged to upload them at UK Police Image Appeal where they will be looked at by investigators.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or, in an emergency, always call 999.

September 18, 2017