Romanian tourist still critically ill after Westminster attack

A Romanian tourist who fell into the Thames during the Westminster attack is in critical but stable condition, her family have said.

Andreea Cristea fell from Westminster Bridge as Khalid Masood launched the attack near the Houses of Parliament last week that would claim the lives of four people as well as his own.

A video captured at long-range emerged showing Cristea fall as Masood careered towards her. She was pulled from the water by a lifeboat crew.

Cristea was in London for a short break with her boyfriend, Andrei Burnaz, who has since been discharged from hospital, the Metropolitan police said. A statement released on behalf of the families of Cristea and Burnaz said: “Our family is so grateful for the first responders, the medical personnel and the assistance of the UK government agencies.

“Andreea is still in a critical but stable condition and benefits from the best medical healthcare possible. We are overwhelmed by the love, support and respect for our Andreea. The Metropolitan police have been and continue to work tirelessly in providing their care and support during this very difficult time.”

Police officers are among those expected to join together on Wednesday on Westminster Bridge to mark a week since the attack.

The Metropolitan Police Federation said the intention was to link hands across Westminster Bridge from the south to the north at the moment the attack began. Organisers said the event will show “we will not be divided. Linking all nations, faiths, orientation and sexes.”

It is expected to begin at 2.15pm, and a minute’s silence to remember those who died will take place at 2.40pm. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association will be involved, and about 500 participants are expected on the bridge, wearing T-shirts printed with the message: “I am a Muslim, ask me anything.” Masood was a convert to Islam.

An inquest into the deaths of PC Keith Palmer, Aysha Frade, Kurt Cochran and Leslie Rhodes is opening at Westminster coroner’s court on Wednesday. An inquest into Masood’s death will open on Thursday.

Masood ran over Frade, Cochran and Rhodes as he drove at up to 76mph in a Hyundai Tucson across the crowded tourist spot at about 2.40pm on 22 March before crashing into railings around the courtyard of the Palace of Westminster.

The 52-year-old then leapt from the 4x4 vehicle and ran through the gates of parliament, stabbed Palmer to death and shortly after was shot dead by a protection officer.

Palmer, 48, who was married and had a five-year-old daughter, had served as a police officer for 15 years. His funeral will take place on 10 April at Southwark Cathedral, south London. He will receive a full police service funeral, followed by a private cremation.

Cochran, 54, from Utah, in the US, was in London with his wife Melissa on the last day of a trip celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Melissa Cochran is being treated in hospital for neck and rib injuries.

Frade, 44, a mother of two who worked in administration at independent sixth-form school DLD College London, in Westminster, had left work and was walking over the bridge to pick up her daughters from school when she was killed.

Rhodes, 75, was a window cleaner from south London. He suffered serious injuries and died in King’s College hospital a day later.