Buckingham Palace attack: Second man arrested on suspicion of terrorism

Initial terror suspect reached for 4ft sword and shouted 'Allahu Akbar'

A second man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after an attack on police officers near Buckingham Palace.

The 30-year-old from west London has been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism, the Metropolitan Police said.

The arrest was carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, who are investigating the terrorist attack in Constitution Hill on Friday evening, which resulted in three officers receiving minor injuries.

Officers have also been granted a warrant for the further detention of a 26-year-old man who was arrested at the scene after reaching for a 4ft sword while shouting “Allahu Akbar,” Scotland Yard said.

The initial suspect, who is being questioned by counter-terror detectives, deliberately drove a car at police outside the Queen’s official residence and then “reached for a 4ft sword”.

The suspect was arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assault on police. He was further arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000.

It is understood no members of the royal family were in Buckingham Palace during the attack.

The incident took place in a restricted area in Constitution Hill near Buckingham Palace, when a car deliberately drove at a police van and stopped in front of it.

The officers, who were unarmed police constables and from Westminster borough, got out of the van and approached the car.

Two of the officers were taken by ambulance to hospital with minor cuts and discharged a short time later. The third officer did not need hospital treatment.