Islamic State fans in secret internet network applauding London Bridge terror attack

Hundreds of vile Islamic State supporters have joined a secretive internet network applauding the London Bridge attack.

MI5 are probing messages of hate on secretive encrypted apps, some of which falsely claim more attackers joined knife maniac Usman Khan.

Khan, a convicted terrorist who left prison last year, murdered Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, before being shot dead by police on Friday.

One fanatical jihad supporter tells fellow chatroom users the attack was launched by “Islamic State fighters” in response to “calls to target the nationals of the coalition countries”.

A photograph of three police officers lining up to tackle Khan mocks them with the caption: “British police in the face of the Islamic State lions carrying a knife!”

Another claims there was “not one but two attackers”.

One sick poster shows a jihadist watching as Big Ben blows up and another posted before the attack shows an explosion on Tower Bridge.

A security source said: “It might be twisted to enthuse about such a sad and brutal situation but the police and MI5 have to be selective about who they pursue or close down.

“Many have to be investigated as they are a threat.

“If they break the law by supporting terrorism they are arrested and prosecuted.

“There is a real danger these types of secretive communication can be used to radicalise young or vulnerable people.”

Colonel Richard Kemp, former adviser to the government on terrorism, added: “The internet is an effective way of radicalising muslims.

“It is also an effective way of gaining intelligence and leads on individuals involved in extremism.”

Two women and a man were also injured before Khan, 38, was tackled by brave individuals including hero kitchen porter Lukasz Koczocik.

His neighbour Gita Maksimova, 36, said: “It’s actually amazing what he did – he is really a hero.”

Khan’s family said in a statement yesterday: “We are shocked by what Usman has done.

“We condemn his actions and we wish to express our condolences to the families of the victims.”

Source: Mirror