01 Oct 2017 | 03:53 PM UTC
Canada: Five injured and one arrested in Edmonton in possible terror act Oct. 1; incident over
Five people have been injured and one charged following possible terrorist act in Edmonton Sunday, October 1; incident now over
Event
Canadian police have confirmed that five people have been injured in incidents that they are investigating as possible acts of terrorism in the city of Edmonton (Alberta) on Sunday, October 1. The incident has ended, and one man has been charged.
Context
Officials have said that a police officer controlling traffic at a Canadian Football League game was hit by a white Chevrolet Malibu at 20:15 (local time) outside of the Commonwealth Stadium on September 30. The driver then attacked the officer with a knife, before fleeing on foot. At around midnight, a man believed to match the description from the earlier incident was pulled over at a police checkpoint whilst driving a rental van, and immediately fled the scene. According to the police, the van deliberately attempted to hid pedestrians during the subsequent police chase, injuring four civilians. The 30-year-old male driver was arrested after his vehicle overturned. Police have said that the individual, who was known to authorities, is believed to have acted alone.
Canada has witnessed several deadly terrorist incidents over recent years, most recently the January Québec City mosque shooting which left six dead and 19 wounded.
Advice
Individuals in Edmonton are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.