2013 Woolwich beheading
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The 2013 Woolwich beheading was a suspected terrorist attack on 22 May 2013 in Woolwich, London. It is believed an off-duty British military cadet was attacked by two assailants, who ran him over in a car before decapitating him with a machete and butcher's knife, while allegedly shouting Islamist slogans.[1] Two men are reported to have been shot and injured by police; they are being held under armed guard at two separate London hospitals.[2][3]
Alleged motive
Channel 4 news broadcast video footage of the alleged attackers, filmed by observers prior to the arrival of the police, in which they recited "Allahu Akbar",[4] and apologising that women had witnessed the attack.[5][6]
Although early in the investigation, the government and local police are favouring the opinion that it was an isolated incident and not part of a terrorist network.
References
- ^ "Telegraph article on terror attack in Woolwich".
- ^ "Man dead in suspected Woolwich terror attack". 22 May 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
- ^ "Live feed of BBC News on Woolwich terror attack". 22 May 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
- ^ "London terror suspects shout 'Allahu Akbar' and machete man to death".
- ^ "Bloodied London Attacker Speaks To Camera After Beheading: 'You People Will Never Be Safe'".
- ^ "Chilling video of London attacker explaining machete attack on reported soldier". 22 May 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2013.