Five injured in 'acts of terrorism' in Edmonton, Canada
A man in his 30s is detained and investigators confirm an Islamic State group flag is found in a vehicle used in one attack.
Monday 2 October 2017 03:53, UK
A terror inquiry is under way in Canada after a police officer was rammed by a car and stabbed and four pedestrians were struck by a van.
Police in Edmonton have confirmed an Islamic State group flag was found in the vehicle that hit the officer.
A suspect, aged around 30, has been arrested and the authorities believe he acted alone.
The attack started on Saturday night when a man drove a car at high speed at a police checkpoint outside the Commonwealth Stadium during an American football game.
The car crashed through the barricade and hit a police officer sending him flying into the air.
The driver jumped out and stabbed the officer several times before fleeing from the scene.
About two hours later police investigating the incident stopped a truck.
Edmonton police chief Rod Knecht said the name of the driver closely matched that of the registered owner of the car that hit the officer.
The van then sped off with the police in pursuit.
The driver deliberately swerved at pedestrians during the high-speed chase, injuring four people, according to police.
The vehicle eventually flipped over and the driver was detained.
Mr Knecht said the man was known to police but did not release his name.
"It is believed at this time that these two incidents are related," he said.
"It was determined that these incidents are being investigated as acts of terrorism."
Mr Knecht said Edmonton police are working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's National Security Enforcement Team and other Canadian security agencies.
Alberta premier Rachel Notley said on Twitter that her thoughts are with the injured officer and she is hoping for a speedy recovery.