British counter-terrorism investigators searched two homes Monday and detained “a number” of people in the investigation into a van and knife attack in the heart of London that left seven people dead.
Dozens were injured, many of them critically, in the attack that started on the London Bridge, when three attackers swerved the vehicle into pedestrians then, armed with knives, rampaged through Borough Market, slashing and stabbing anyone they could find. The three men, who wore fake suicide vests, were shot to death by police.
London’s police chief has said the attackers have been identified, but the names haven’t been released. At least 12 people were arrested Sunday, including five men and seven women ranging in age from 19 to 60. One has since been released without being charged.
IS claims responsibility
Islamic State claimed responsibility for Saturday night's attack, the terrorist group's agency Amaq said on Sunday.
"A detachment of IS fighters executed yesterday's London attack," a statement posted on Amaq's media page, monitored in Cairo, said.
It was the third militant attack in Britain in less than three months.
18 remain in critical condition
Eighteen people remain in a critical condition and a further 18 are still being treated in hospital, British health authorities said on Monday.
"A total of 36 ... patients (are) currently being cared for in five London hospitals, and of these 18 remain in a critical condition," the National Health Service said.
Thorny debate on UK strategy
After the attack Theresa May declared "enough is enough" and sketched plans for tougher anti-terror measures.
She pointed to longer jail terms for terrorism offences, even minor ones, and said internet companies should deny extremism a place in which to breed.
Other proposals floated in the British press include electronically tagging or even interning jihadists on watch lists, requiring proof of ID for unregistered SIM cards for mobile phones, and police background checks for people who want to rent a car immediately.
But after a one-day suspension of campaigning ahead of Thursday's vote, May's record has become a hot election issue and the ruling Conservatives – traditionally popular on the issue of security – find themselves on the back foot.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Monday called on May to quit, pointing to the loss of 20,000 police jobs, mostly during her six years as interior minister under David Cameron.
