London terror attack: Fourth victim named as Leslie Rhodes
Victims now include a pensioner, an American tourist, a Spanish teacher and a police officer
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Your support makes all the difference.The fifth person to die following Wednesday's terror attack in London has been named as Leslie Rhodes.
The 75-year-old, from Streatham, south London, had been receiving medical treatment at King's College Hospital but was taken off life support on Thursday night, police said.
Mr Rhodes was critically injured on Westminster Bridge when terrorist Khalid Masood, whose birth name was today revealed as Adrian Russell or Adrian Russell Ajao, plowed into a crowd of pedestrians in a rental car, and then stabbed a police officer to death at the Palace of Westminster.
In addition to pensioner Mr Rhodes and Police Constable Keith Palmer, the attacker killed 43-year-old teacher Aysha Frade, who was on her way to pick up her two small children from school, and Kurt Cochran, 54, an American tourist who was in London with his wife to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
Police said two other people were still in a hospital in a critical condition, and one had life threatening injuries.
Three women and five men were arrested in London and Birmingham on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts following Wednesday's attack.
The so-called Islamic State group has said it was behind the attack.
Scotland Yard first announced Mr Rhodes death on Thursday evening, but did not initially name him. A spokesman said: “Detectives investigating the terrorist attack in Westminster on Wednesday, 22 March can confirm that a 75-year-old man died tonight, Thursday, 23 March.
“The man had been receiving medical treatment in hospital following the attack and life “support was withdrawn this evening.”
“Next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained family liaison officers.”
Kurt Cochran
Mr Cochran was an engineer who also ran his own music studio in Utah. He was enjoying the final day of his visit to London.
His wife, Melissa, was also injured in the attack and remains in hospital with a broken leg, rib and a cut to the head.
A Facebook post by the Cochrans' family described the loss of the 54-year-old as “heart wrenching”.
It said: “With a heavy heart I must pass the sad news of our beautiful brother, father, husband, son and friend Kurt Cochran, he could not overcome the injuries he received in the London terror attacks. This pain is so heart wrenching and raw it has rocked our family and all that knew him to its core.
“We will miss Kurt beyond words. We love you Kurt. RIP. Melissa Payne Cochran is in the hospital with a broken leg, rib and a cut on her head but will recover from her injuries. Sending all the love to her for a quick recovery.”
A statement from Ms Cochran's side of the family said: “Our family is heartbroken to learn of the death of our brother and son-in-law, Kurt W. Cochran, who was a victim of Wednesday’s terrorist attack in London.
“Kurt was a good man and a loving husband to our sister and daughter, Melissa.
“They were in Europe to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, and were scheduled to return to the United States on Thursday.
“Melissa also received serious injuries in the attack and is being cared for in the hospital.”
US President Donald Trump tweeted condolences to Mr Cochran.
He said: “A great American, Kurt Cochran, was killed in the London terror attack. My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends.”
Mr Cochran was the third person who died in the attack to be named.
Aysha Frade
Ms Frade, who worked as a sixth form Spanish teacher at the nearby DLD College London, also died in the attack.
A British national, whose mother was Spanish and father was Cypriot, she lived in London with her two young daughters and her husband.
She was walking to meet her daughters from school when the attack happened.
The school’s head teacher Rachel Borland said Ms Frade was “a highly regarded and loved” teacher at the college. “She will be missed by us all.”
A former neighbour of Ms Frade, Patricia Scotland, who lives in the Ladbroke Grove area of London told the BBC Ms Frade had been a “lovely mother, a lovely wife”.
“She was just a lovely person, with two lovely, lovely girls,” she said. “You couldn't ask for better neighbours”.
PC Keith Palmer
PC Keith Palmer, 48, was stabbed by the attacker who was attempting to gain entry to the Palace of Westminster.
PC Palmer was on duty as an unarmed member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Squad at the Houses of Parliament.
He had been in the Metropolitan Police since 2001 and has a five-year-old daughter.
A statement from PC Palmer’s family said: “Keith will be remembered as a wonderful dad and husband. A loving son, brother and uncle. A long-time supporter of Charlton FC
“Dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous. A friend to everyone who knew him.
“He will be deeply missed. We love him so much.
“His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask that they are left to grieve alone in peace.”
Conservative MP and former colleague James Cleverly described the police officer as “a lovely man, a friend.”
“I’m heartbroken,” he said.
In a moving tribute to PC Palmer in the House of Commons, Mr Cleverly later described him as a “strong, professional public servant”, while Prime Minister Theresa May said he was “every inch a hero and his actions will never be forgotten.”
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