UK parliament attacker British-born, probed earlier for violent extremism: Theresa May

London: UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday said that the person involved in the deadly parliament attack here is a British national and had been investigated in the past for “violent extremism”.

“What I can confirm is that the man was British-born and that some years ago he was once investigated by MI5 in relation to concerns about violent extremism,” she told lawmakers.

“He was a peripheral figure,” Reuters quoted May as saying, adding, “The case is historic, he was not part of the current intelligence picture.”

The lone attacker had killed three people, including a policeman, and injured at least 40 on Wednesday.

He was shot dead as he tried to enter the parliament.

Police said they have arrested eight people so far as part of their investigation.

May said there had been no prior intelligence of his intent.

“When operational considerations allow, he will be publicly identified,” she said.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our police colleagues, grieving at their loss while also applauding the professional excellence of their response,” Andrew Parker, director general of the MI5 domestic intelligence service, said.