A 47-year-old man who struck a crowd of worshippers leaving a mosque in Finsbury Park, London, on Monday morning has been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism including murder as well as attempted murder.
The incident is being investigated as an act of terror, according to London police.
One man, who was already ill and receiving CPR on the side of the road as the attack occurred, passed away after the incident. Nine others were injured and taken to the hospital.
Deputy assistant commissioner Neil Basu told the Associated Press: "This is being treated as a terrorist incident and is being investigated by the Counter Terrorism Command."
The attack took place around 12:20 a.m., BST when a white van ran onto the sidewalk along Seven Sisters Road in front of the Muslim Welfare House, a place of worship as well as a local community center.
The driver of the van was apprehended by those at the scene and many people came to the aid of the victims.
According to a BBC report, more than 60 medics arrived, including ambulance crews, advance paramedics, specialist response teams and a trauma team from London's Air Ambulance.
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The U.K. Prime Minister, Theresa May, declared the incident a terror attack shortly after the event took place.
London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, called the act "deliberate" and urged Londoners to "remain calm and vigilant."
Kahn said: "While this appears to be an attack on a particular community, like the terrible attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge, it is also an assault on all our shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect."
The alleged attacker is currently in custody, and a residence in Cardiff, Wales, is being inspected by the police as possibly associated with the incident.
Finsbury Park, located in North London, is one of the city's oldest Victorian parks. It has seen an increase in popularity among locals and visitors in recent years for vast green spaces equipped with plenty of facilities for families. It has also become known for the large number of independent eateries located in the area.
The adjacent Finsbury Park Station is a busy transit interchange that serves the National Rail, the London Underground (the Tube) and several local bus stations. After today's attack, station workers posted a poignant message for transit users.
"Tough times don't last. Tough people do. Stick together all of us." The message was signed from Finsbury Park London Underground Staff, British Transport Police and Emergency Services.
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