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WAS HE ORDERED BY ISIS?

Khalid Masood carried out deadly Westminster rampage just weeks after ISIS fanatics used encrypted messaging app Telegram to call for lone wolf attacks on Parliament

ISIS terror chiefs used a secretive messaging app to urge lone wolf attacks on Britain just weeks before the Westminster attack, it is claimed.

Fanatics issued sick rallying cries via the Telegram app that allows anonymous texts to be sent out.

Among a slew of messages discovered by the was a picture of notorious Brit killer Jihadi John wielding a sword in front of Parliament.

It is a revelation that will increase fears Khalid Masood's murderous rampage was inspired and perhaps even ordered by ISIS commanders.

 Khalid Masood lies on a stretcher outside Parliament with paramedics treating his injuries while armed cops stand guard
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Khalid Masood lies on a stretcher outside Parliament with paramedics treating his injuries while armed cops stand guardCredit: PA

Just weeks after the Telegram message was sent PC Keith Palmer was knifed to death by Islamist Masood in front of the Palace of Westminster.

One thread allegedly saw fanatics discuss the "perfect" British targets including pubs, Jewish schools and museums.

Most chillingly, a detailed explanation of how to attack a football stadium was posted.

It read: "Methods can include entering the stadium and detonating an explosive(s).

“Attacking fans/security at full time in the vicinity of the car park area or exits of the stadium.

"Devices can be left in around the stadium, bars, cars, busses, trains, transportation etc.

“Attacks can compromise of explosives, gun attacks, knife, martyrdom vests, CHEMICAL and any other.”

Today Home Secretary Amber Rudd questioned the ethics of encrypted messaging apps that make attacks harder to track and easier to plan.

Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, she said: “There should be no place for terrorists to hide."

 An image of British killer Jihadi John was used in one thread discussing attacks on Britain, it was alleged
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An image of British killer Jihadi John was used in one thread discussing attacks on Britain, it was allegedCredit: Reuters
 The account of Khalid was reportedly active on Wednesday afternoon, minutes before the attack
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The account of Khalid was reportedly active on Wednesday afternoon, minutes before the attackCredit: Whatsapp
 Westminster attacker Khalid Masood was also known as Adrian Elms and Adrian Russell Ajao
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Westminster attacker Khalid Masood was also known as Adrian Elms and Adrian Russell AjaoCredit: PA

The focus on the role of social media in Wednesday's attack comes a days after it emerged Masood was on WhatsApp just two minutes before unleashing the horrific attack that claimed the lives of four people and injured dozens more.

The British-born terrorist was claimed to be on the messaging app at 2.37pm on Wednesday - minutes before mowing his car through crowds on Westminster Bridge and stabbing PC Keith Palmer.

 that the 52-year-old's account had been active, showing a screen shot of his account apparently last checked on Wednesday afternoon.

Police insisted the attacker had been a "lone wolf", with authorities yesterday admitting they had previously investigated him.

 Masood mowed down dozens of people on Westminster Bridge before stabbing PC Keith Palmer outside the Houses of Parliament
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Masood mowed down dozens of people on Westminster Bridge before stabbing PC Keith Palmer outside the Houses of Parliament
 The air ambulance lands in Parliament Square as emergency services raced to save the injured
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The air ambulance lands in Parliament Square as emergency services raced to save the injuredCredit: Reuters

Killer Masood grew up as an English teacher called Adrian who turned to Islam after a life of violent crime.

His rap sheet included stabbing a man in the face in a 2003 row, plus assaults, criminal damage and public order offences.

Yesterday his former next-door neighbours told how his face “turned to pure evil when he spoke about religion”.

The 52-year-old was yesterday named by police, with MI5 having previously investigated him.

Masood was born Adrian Russell Elms – changing his surname to that of his stepdad’s.


Do you have any pictures or information about London terror attacker Khalid Masood - aka Adrian Elms or Adrian Russell Ajao? We pay for your photos and stories! Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368


He grew up in Erith on the Kent- London border.

In his CV sent out just weeks ago and unearthed by The Sun, he describes himself as “British”, “friendly and approachable” and a good listener.

The document claims he had a economics degree.

Masood also used his stepdad’s surname Ajao alongside Russell at the start of his career.

, including PC Keith Palmer and mum-of-two Aysha Frade.

US tourist Kurt Cochran also died from his injuries in the attack while Leslie Rhodes, 75, had his life support turned off overnight.

Police have confirmed a number of victims are still in hospital.

The Hyundai vehicle used by the attacker was rented from car hire firm Enterprise, reportedly its Solihull branch.

 

 

 

 Police swooped on areas around Hagley Road in Birmingham in raids
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Police swooped on areas around Hagley Road in Birmingham in raidsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

In a statement, the company said: "We can confirm that the car used in the tragic attack in London yesterday afternoon was one of ours.

"An employee identified the vehicle after seeing the licence plate in an image online. We ran another check to verify, and immediately contacted the authorities.

"We are co-operating fully with the authorities and will provide any assistance that we can to the investigation. "Our thoughts are very much with the victims of this terrible tragedy."


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