Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood ‘was driving up to 76mph’ during attack

Westminster attacker Khalid Masood is believed to have been driving at speeds of up to 76mph while mowing down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

The BBC claims Masood hit nearly 80mph during his deadly attack, which left 50 people injured and three people dead.

Journalist Danny Shaw also tweeted that the killer was seen driving around Westminster Bridge some time before the attack.

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The Met has said it will not comment on this element of the ongoing investigation.

Masood ploughed into pedestrians on the pavement as he made his way towards the House of Commons last Wednesday before stabbing PC Keith Palmer to death.

Three pedestrians were also killed as a result of being knocked down by the car Masood used in the 82-second attack.

Aysha Frade, who was in her 40s and worked at a London sixth-form college, US tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, and retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, from south London, all died from their injuries.

Masood was shot dead by armed police after he killed PC Palmer.

The Metropolitan Police believe Masood acted alone in the attack but are investigating claims he was inspired by terrorist propaganda.

His phone was reportedly connected to messenger app WhatsApp shortly before he carried out his deadly attack.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd is now seeking to put measures in place to allow the Government to read messages sent on encrypted service apps.

She said that there should be “no place for terrorists to hide”.

Two people from Birmingham are being held on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts after raids were carried out the day after the attack.

Nine people have so far been released without charge, while a 32-year-old woman arrested in Manchester remains on police bail until late March.

Top pic: Metropolitan Police