‘Nobody on trial’ at Westminster attacker’s inquest, says coroner

Some jurors were visibly upset when they were shown footage of Khalid Masood’s attack

Jurors have been warned not to “jump to conclusions” or attach blame as the inquest into the death of Westminster attacker Khalid Masood gets under way.

Mark Lucraft QC told the group they would be required to come to conclusions about the identity of the deceased, when, where and how he died.

But he stressed that the jurors could not “express an opinion on other matters”.

“Nobody is on trial here – an inquest does not decide matters of criminal liability. There is no question of attributing blame,” the chief coroner said.

“Please keep an open mind. Do not jump to conclusions.”

Some jurors were visibly upset when they were shown footage of Masood’s attack.

In a span of 82-seconds he mowed down pedestrians with a Hyundai Tucson on Westminster Bridge, killing four and seriously injuring 29 more victims.

Some jurors appeared shocked as they watched CCTV footage showing people thrown in the air as Masood hit them with the vehicle.

A few held their heads in their hands as they watched one victim, 44-year-old Aysha Frade, being struck from behind and sent into the path of a bus.

The inquest heard how Masood had then crashed the car into railings, causing terrified pedestrians to flee.

He climbed out of the car and went on foot towards the Palace of Westminster, carrying two knives.

The 52-year-old was confronted by PC Keith Palmer, an unarmed police guard who was on duty at the Carriage Gates.

He repeatedly stabbed PC Palmer, who collapsed and later died.

Two armed bodyguards then rushed to the scene and shouted for Masood to stop.

When he refused to comply, one of the officers opened fire.

Jurors were shown the moment the attacker was fatally shot in New Palace Yard.

Images of the close protection officers were blurred out to protect their identities, though their guns were visible.

The officers are due to give evidence anonymously as the inquest continues.

People involved in providing medical care for Masood after he was shot are also among the witnesses.

The inquest follows the conclusion of hearings into the deaths of Masood’s victims.

Press Association contributed to this report