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The son of a van hire boss whose vehicle was used to mow down Muslim worshippers in London has sparked anger after saying: "It's a shame they don't hire out TANKS"

Richard Gear Evans, 47, was responding to messages of support after one of his dad's vans ploughed into pedestrians leaving midnight prayers.

He wrote on Facebook: "It’s my dads company I don’t get involved, it's a shame they don’t hire out a steam rollers or tanks could have done a tidy job then"

One man died and eight others are in hospital after the shocking attack in in Finsbury Park last night.

Counter terrorism police are investigating and 47-year-old Darren Osborne has been arrested.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

(Image: ROWAN GRIFFITHS)

Forensics officers were last night examining a white van which has Pontyclun Van Hire on it - a firm based in South Wales.

Evans, who is a driver for Eddie Stobart, posted at 10.42am on Monday morning that his dad had nothing to do with the attack.

He said: “He wasn't involved only the van they just said they are deeply sorry glad I'm not running the Van Hire the police wouldn't like what my answer would be.”

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Evans later responded with his vile wish that a 'steam roller' or 'tank' had been used in the attack.

The comments were widely shared on Facebook and condemned.

One called it as "utterly disgusting" while another described Evans as a "hateful scumbag".

Evans appeared to have deleted his Facebook account last night.

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South Wales Police officers were stationed at Pontyclun Van Hire company since just after 07:30 yesterday.

The company said: "We at Pontyclun Van Hire are shocked and saddened by the incident that took place at Finsbury Park last night.

"We are co-operating fully with the Metropolitan Police investigation and our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this cowardly attack.

"We will not be making any further statement because of the ongoing police investigation but will continue to assist the police in any way we can."

A man listed as a director refused to name the man who hired the van, saying only: “We are in a meeting.”

Eddie Stobart Logistics said in a statement: “We can confirm that we are aware of the reprehensible remarks made by Richard Gear Evans on social media.

"These remarks in no way reflect the view of Eddie Stobart Logistics and we have taken immediate action."