Authorities are calling a taxi cab driver in Liverpool, England a hero today. The driver, David Perry, reportedly kept a terrorist from damaging Liverpool Women's Hospital.
Perry picked up the suspected terrorist about 10 minutes away from the hospital. The homemade device's detonation sequence started prematurely in front of the patient drop-off. Realizing the danger, Perry ran from his vehicle while locking the doors.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson wouldn't comment on the case's specific details. Still, he said “It does look as though the taxi driver in question did behave with incredible presence of mind and bravery.”
Mass-Casualty Incident Prevented
Indeed, Perry's quick thinking left the terrorist trapped in the vehicle. The taxi then absorbed the explosion. Based on the damage, experts say that the bomb maker likely had a low-yield explosive bomb or an incendiary bomb. He may also have had a high-yield explosive device that malfunctioned.
The suspected terrorist died at the scene. Law enforcement believe they know his identity but won't comment further until that is confirmed. Meanwhile, Russ Jackson, head of Counter Terrorism Policing in Northwest England, started an investigation into the incident.
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So far, authorities have arrested four men, aged 29, 26, 21 and 20, under the United Kingdom's Terrorism Act.
The Terrorism Act gives authorities 14 days to criminally charge the suspects.
More Attacks “Highly Likely”
BBC News adds:
Mr. Jackson said the arrested men were believed to be “associates” of the taxi passenger.
He said officers were looking at his associates, telephone records and purchases he may have made.
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The change in the UK terror threat level to severe, the second highest, means a further attack is considered “highly likely”.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the change was because the Liverpool blast was the “second incident in a month” following the killing of MP David Amess in Essex.
Ali Harbi Ali stabbed Mr. Amess to death during a meeting with constituents.
Authorities learned that Mr. Ali has ties to ISIS. He assassinated the conservative lawmaker over his support for airstrikes in Syria.
