Streatham attacker released from prison in January

It has been revealed that 20-year-old Sudesh Amman, who stabbed people in Streatham on 2 February, was released from prison a week ago after serving half of his sentence of three years and four months for terror offences.

Amman was under active police surveillance at the time of the attack on Streatham High Road, which police believe to be an Islamist-related terrorist incident. Authorities say that three people were injured but none are in a life-threatening condition. Scotland Yard said officers were searching addresses in south London and Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

Treasury Minister Rishi Sunak has claimed that recently announced measures to toughen terrorism laws will give the police 'more powers and resources' to keep the public safe. Since then, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the government will announce further plans for 'fundamental changes to the system for dealing with those convicted of terrorism offences'.

Given that November's terrorist attack at Fishmonger's Hall also involved a man convicted of terrorism offences released mid-way through his sentence, there are widespread reports that there is an increasingly 'desperate desire' within government to be seen to be acting quickly.

Accounts from bystanders suggest that Amman entered a shop and started stabbing people at 14:00 on Sunday 2 February. It appears he then left the shop and stabbed a woman. Witnesses then report hearing three gunshots and seeing a man lying on the ground outside a Boots pharmacy, as armed police approached and shouted at those nearby to move back. Part of a 'proactive counter-terrorism operation' following the suspect on foot, the Metropolitan Police said armed officerswere in 'immediate attendance'. Police have also revealed that the attacker had a hoax device strapped to his body.