Yahoo News London attack: inquest opens as first picture of fourth Westminster victim released
Inquests have been opened into the deaths of four people killed in the Westminster terror attack.
American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, and Aysha Frade, 44, died after Muslim convert Khalid Masood drove at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge last Wednesday.
An inquest was opened at Westminster Coroner's Court on Wednesday by senior coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox.
Opening the inquest, Dr Wilcox told relatives of some of the victims who attended the hearing: "It is very much a first step in this inquiry in what will be a long, difficult and complex process.
"But I would like to assure you all that everything that can be done by this court will be done."
Giving evidence to the court during the inquest's opening, Detective Superintendent John Crossley said: "On Wednesday 22 March 2017 at approx 2.40pm a male drove a Hyundai motor vehicle, registration EK66 RWO, northbound over Westminster Bridge towards the Houses of Parliament.
"The driver mounted the pavement twice in the an apparently deliberate attempt to target pedestrians, before mounting the pavement for a final time and crashing his vehicle into the east parliament gates of the Houses of Parliament."
He added: "The male then exited the vehicle carrying two large knives and ran into the vehicle entrance gateway known as Carriage Gate at the northern perimeter fence of the Houses of Parliament.
"The male attacked a police officer in the grounds with knives, causing grave wounds and killing the officer.
"The male was then shot and killed by other officers."
Det Supt Crossley told the court "in excess" of 35 people have been hurt, with injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to "extensive bone fractures".
He said: "Two people in addition to the police officer and the attacker died at the scene; one other person was taken to hospital from the scene and died from his injuries."
Det Supt Crossley confirmed that one of those injured remains in a coma in hospital.
The incident lasted 82 seconds, and Mr Crossley said CCTV footage provided a "clear visual chronology" of the events.
He confirmed that the attacker had been formally identified as Khalid Masood, 52, from Birmingham.
The inquest heard details of how each of those killed had died. Mr Cochran died at the scene on Westminster Bridge from multiple injuries after being hit by the car, while Ms Frade suffered head and chest injuries, also dying on the bridge.
Mr Rhodes was pronounced dead at London's King's College the following day from a head injury, while Pc Palmer died at the scene after being stabbed in the chest.
Mr Crossley said the "wide-ranging inquiry" was being led by the counter-terrorism command, which was looking at a "number of strands of investigation".
Officers are examining a "large amount" of CCTV and footage taken by bystanders.
He said: "Currently there are in excess of 1,500 potential witnesses, with accounts being taken from those who are deemed significant. This is currently in excess of 140."
Dr Wilcox adjourned the inquest while police continue their investigations, and ordered that a pre-inquest review would provisionally be held on May 19 at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Turning to the families, Dr Wilcox told them: "I wish you all well", and asked them to pass on her condolences to those who were unable to attend the hearing.
