Masood was shot by police in the grounds of parliament - PA

Westminster killer Khalid Masood reportedly told a family member in a phone call a week before the attack: "You will soon hear of my death, but don't worry… I will be in paradise."

The terrorist, formerly known as Adrian Ajao, who killed five people and injured 50 others when he drove a hired car along Westminster Bridge into pedestrians at 78mph before stabbing PC Keith Palmer to death with a knife, acted alone, police confirmed this week.

According to the Mail on Sunday, a well-placed source said that Masood, 52, made the farewell call to a family member in the South East.

View photos Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood Credit: METROPOLITAN POLICE More

In most interpretations of Islam, Masood's final words appear to follow the belief that Muslims enter paradise following death. He was shot dead by police in the grounds of Parliament.

Scotland Yard have so far said it is possible that the motive behind "lone wolf" Masood's attack was an interest in Jihad.

Formerly known as Adrian Elms, it is known that he was a Muslim convert and was living in Birmingham when he plotted the atrocity.

View photos Westminster attacker Adrian Ajao (aka Khalid Masood), at a fete in his hometown village of Northiam, Sussex Credit: Julian Simmonds More

The paper reports that Masood told the family member: "You will soon hear of my death, but don't worry, be happy, because I will be in a better place, I will be in paradise."

He is said to have added: "I want you to be happy for me, I don't want you to be sad." He then told the family member: "I want it to be our secret."

Police are understood to be aware of who Masood had the telephone conversation with, but decided they had no prior knowledge of the attack and has not been radicalised.

Anti-terror police arrested a number of people who were all later released without charge, including members of Masood's family.

So far, there has been no direct evidence originating from Masood himself which details why he carried out the attack.

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