News

Live news stream

PM 'no comment' on reports suspects were known

The point that the two suspects in this horrific attack were known to the security services has been widely reported.

You would not expect me to comment on this while a criminal investigation is ongoing. But what I will say is this.

As is the normal practice in these cases the Independent Police Complaints Commission will be able to review the actions of the police and the intelligence and security committee able to do the same for the wider agencies.

Nothing should be done to get in the way of their absolutely vital work.

– DAVID CAMERON

Advertisement

PM: Defeat violent extremism 'by standing together'

This country will be absolutely resolute in its stand against violent extremism and terror.

We will never give in to terror of terrorism in any of its forms. This view is shared by every community in our country.

This was not just an attack on Britain and the British way of life it was also a betrayal of Islam and of the Muslim communities who give so much for our country.

We will defeat violent extremism by standing together.

– David Cameron

Cameron: People who did this 'trying to divide us'

In his statement outside Downing Street, David Cameron said:

"What happened yesterday in Woolwich has sickened us all. On our televisions last night and in our newspapers this morning we have all seen images that are deeply shocking.

"The people who did this were trying to divide us. They should know something like this will only bring us together and make us stronger."

Police urge Londoners to 'remain calm'

Today our shock at what happened on the streets of our city remains.

The investigation into the shocking murder of a serving soldier yesterday is ongoing, and is of course a major investigation for us.

It is only right that the ongoing investigations are allowed to take place, and they must take as long as is needed without anyone pre-empting what they may conclude.

I would ask for Londoners help and support for us to continue. Please remain calm. London is at its best when we all come together and now is the time to do that.

– ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER SIMON BYRNE, METROPOLITAN POLICE

Advertisement

Police at attack scene 'within nine mintues' of 999 call

Officers were at the scene in Woolwich yesterday within nine minutes of receiving the first emergency call about the incident, the Metropolitan Police said.

One point I would like to address is around some of the speculation as to how long it took the Met to respond yesterday as this incident started to unfold.

We first received a 999 call from the public at 14.20 hours stating a man was being attacked, further 999 calls stated that the attackers were in possession of a gun.

We had officers at the scene within nine minutes of receiving that first 999 call.

Once that information about a gun or guns being present was known firearms officers were assigned at 14.24 hours.

Firearms officers were there and dealing with the incident 10 minutes after they were assigned, 14 minutes after the first call to the Met.

– Assistant Commissioner Simon Byrne
Wales

Mark Bridger 'accepts he was cause of April's death'

Mark Bridger has told a jury he does not accept that he 'killed' April, but accepts that he was 'the cause of her death'.

When asked by the prosecution what the difference was, he replied: "To me, it suggests you intended it... I did not go out to kill April."

Elwen Evans QC said: "Can we accept that, somehow or other, you disposed of her body?"

Mr Bridger replied: "Her body has not been found."

Miss Evans told him: "Her body has not been found because of what you did to cover up what you had done."

When asked why April's body has not been found, Mr Bridger replied: "I have put her somewhere where it hasn't been found."

Mr Bridger also admitted to cleaning his property - but denied that he did so to cover anything up.

Labour: Pressure on A&E units 'not going away'

Labour said the pressure accident and emergency departments face "is not going away" and it is the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's "job to find solutions."

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Archive

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "David Cameron and his Health Secretary keep blaming GPs and the 2004 contract for the pressure in A&E despite a clear statement from the NHS Confederation that there is no link between the two.

"In addition, Jeremy Hunt has received official advice identifying other reasons for the pressure, such as the botched introduction of the 111 service and the severe cuts to social care.

"By picking on a convenient political target, the Health Secretary is failing to face up to the real causes of the chaos. That cannot be allowed to continue as the pressure is not going away and it is his job to find solutions."

Read: Jeremy Hunt set to launch a series of reforms to GP service

Read: Hunt to unveil Out of Hours shake-up for GPs

Load more updates