"The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia wishes to clarify that Khalid Masood was in Saudi Arabia from November 2005 to November 2006 and April 2008 to April 2009, when he worked as an English teacher having first obtained a work visa. In 2015, he obtained an Umra visa through an approved travel agent and was in the Kingdom from the 3rd-8th March. During his time in Saudi Arabia, Khalid Masood did not appear on the security services’ radar and does not have a criminal record in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy stressed the importance of international cooperation in order to defeat terrorism, adding that Saudi Arabia "reaffirms its commitment to continue its work with the United Kingdom in any way to assist in the ongoing investigation."
On Wednesday, Masood, 52, drove his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in the center of London. He then left the car, armed with a knife, and attempted to enter the parliament building. The attack left five people dead, including the attacker, and at least 50 people injured. Daesh terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attacker was born in Kent and lived in West Midlands, according to Metropolitan Police. He had several previous convictions for assaults and possession of offensive weapons. The last conviction was in 2003.
