Police announced several days ago that this incident was “not linked to terrorism.” But we cannot be sure that is so, since they say that even when incidents are clearly related to jihad terror. And we know that the Islamic State issued this call in September 2014:

If you are not able to find an IED or a bullet, then single out the disbelieving American, Frenchman, or any of their allies. Smash his head with a rock, or slaughter him with a knife, or run him over with your car, or throw him down from a high place, or choke him, or poison him. Do not lack. Do not be contemptible. Let your slogan be, “May I not be saved if the cross worshipper and taghūt (ruler ruling by manmade laws) patron survives.” If you are unable to do so, then burn his home, car, or business. Or destroy his crops.

Is this a case of Muslims heeding that call? Maybe. Maybe not. The British police need to start being far more forthcoming and honest about such cases than they usually are, but that isn’t likely to happen.

“UK police charge three men over shop blast that killed five in Leicester,” Reuters, March 4, 2018: