UK faces deadly wave of lone wolf terror attacks by ‘bedroom radicals’ after David Amess stabbing, security experts warn
BRITAIN could face a deadly wave of lone wolf terror attacks by "bedroom radicals", security experts have warned.
It comes after Tory MP Sir David Amess was knifed during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on Friday.
And last night it was revealed his suspected killer Ali Harbi Ali was radicalised after watching YouTube videos of hate preacher Anjem Choudary, his former friends claimed.
The revelation has sparked panic that others may have been radicalised by extremism from the comfort of their own homes during the pandemic.
Col Richard Kemp, a former government adviser on terrorism, told : “It has long been felt within the counter-terror community that the threat from so-called bedroom radicals would escalate because of... lockdowns.
“It is possible the isolation has made them more introspective and angry – worse, they have been vulnerable to internet radicalisation. And it is possible that this has contributed to this killer’s state of mind.”
“He was unlucky,” a Government source told the paper.
“He was not targeted because of his political party. David Amess was not specifically targeted.”
Another source said it remained “unclear” why Amess was chosen.
“Combined with the fact that lots of young people have been spending so much time online, it makes for a very worrying mix and there is a real concern about the possible rise of the bedroom radicals.”
Former Chief Superintendent for the Metropolitan Police Dal Babu warned there is still access to "horrendous videos of extremism" online adding there is "always a danger of copy cat attacks".
He told Good Morning Britain: "We really need to be looking at why that can still be allowed to happen.
"People have been radicalised during lockdown and we need to make sure we identify who those individuals are and deal with them effectively."
Deputy PM Dominic Raab said Britain's open society and internationalism - of which we should be "proud" - does mean events abroad have security implications at home.
He also said the Government will "look very carefully" at ending anonymity on social media to help in the fight against "out of control" online hate.
Ali’s phone is now playing a crucial role in the police investigation.
Immediate analysis is understood to have shown messages, web searches and links that pointed to an Islamist extremist.
It led police to declare a terrorist incident within hours of Sir David’s death, rather than delaying for further forensic checks.
So far no direct links between Ali and Sir David have emerged.
Ali had been referred to the Government’s Prevent anti-terrorism programme.
It's believed he was referred as long ago as five years ago by a teacher.
Sources said his details were passed on to local police in the past few weeks.
'STRONG AND COURAGEOUS'
One new line of inquiry last night was the Southend West MP was targeted in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, because his constituency surgeries were so well advertised online.
Sir David's friend Richard Hillgrove said the MP was in "fine spirits" minutes before he killed and was "looking to the future".
Speaking of the day he died, Richard told GMB: "I had a video Zoom with him in his diary.
"He was at the church and I was a mile away in my office talking about the children's parliament, teaching young kids about the value of democracy.
"He was in such fine spirits.
"He's always funny making jokes. He was looking to the future."
The devastated pal added: "I'm stunned."
Last night David’s wife Julia and five children paid tribute to the "courageous" MP in a touching statement.
They told how they are "enormously proud" of their husband and father, saying: "Our hearts are shattered."
The statement read: “Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David. He was a patriot and a man of peace.
“So, we ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all.
"This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness.
“Whatever one’s race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.
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“As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred. Nobody should die in that way. Nobody.
“Please let some good come from this tragedy. We are absolutely broken, but we will survive and carry on for the sake of a wonderful and inspiring man.”