Channel 4 News have issued an apology after a report wrongly named Abu Izzadeen as the man responsible for Wednesday’s attack on Westminster.
Senior home affairs correspondent Simon Israel had quoted a source claiming that Izzadeen, also known as Trevor Brooks, was believed to be the attacker. When it later became clear that Izzadeen is currently serving a prison sentence, Israel attempted to backtrack, later acknowledging his mistake in a tweet.
The news show was removed from the schedule on Channel 4’s +1 channel, with a statement from Head of Communications, Hayley Barlow, indicating that Channel 4 news were looking into the matter.
Statement from Channel 4 News pic.twitter.com/34QLcQasLI
— Hayley Barlow (@Hayley_Barlow) March 22, 2017
Nearly two hours later, a short statement was posted on the Channel 4 News Twitter page, making clear that the information had indeed been incorrect and apologising to viewers for the mistake.
Statement from Channel 4 News: pic.twitter.com/MMo1sFu3Mh
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 22, 2017
Five people, including a police officer and the attacker, died in the attack near the Houses of Parliament.