London terror attacks: What we know about the killers so far

As investigations "step up a gear", police are continuing to piece together information about the extremists who carried out the London terror attacks.

While investigators say they know who the killers are, they will not release the names until it is clear whether or not they were acting alone.

A possible Irish link is being investigated after it emerged one of the attackers had lived in Ireland.

:: LIVE – Police say they know who attackers are

The three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge shortly after 10pm on Saturday night, before stabbing others in nearby Borough Market in an attack that killed seven people and injured 48.

Armed with foot-long knives, and wearing fake suicide bomb vests, during the deadly rampage, one is reported to have shouted "this is for my family, this is for Islam" as he stabbed one victim, while another said "this is for Allah" as he knifed a man near a pub.

All three were shot dead by armed officers within eight minutes of the first emergency call to police.

A photo shows one of the attackers lying on the floor, wearing an Arsenal away shirt and camouflage trousers.

:: ‘Bangs and gunshots’ as terror police swoop

On Sunday, armed officers swooped on a block of flats in Barking, east London, where one of the three killers was believed to have lived.

One neighbour described the suspect as "a very affable person" who was "very much a member of the community".

He explained the man – who had lived there for three years with his wife and two young children – was always pleasant and had previously helped with homelessness in the area and community work.

He said the man had formerly worked for Transport for London (TfL) and at a gym around the corner.

Another neighbour said the man, who he described as "usually a very nice, friendly guy", had recently asked him lots of questions about a large van he was using.

He had questioned him on where he rented it, how much it cost and if it was possible to hire an automatic version.

He said: "He was asking specific questions about the van which now makes sense in my head – at the time I didn’t think anything of it."

:: Tackling terrorism top of campaign agenda

It is also understood one of the attackers had previously been reported to the anti-terror police for his "radical views" on at least two occasions.

His friend told the BBC Asian Network he had reported him to the anti-terror hotline after he began expressing increasingly radical views and justifying attacks.

The Telegraph reported a neighbour had also reported him for "brainwashing" children with radical views in the park.

Scotland Yard arrested 12 people under the Terrorism Act in Barking on Sunday, with one subsequently released without charge.

Police said a "number" of other people had been detained after officers carried out raids on two more addresses in Newham and Barking in the early hours of Monday morning.

:: Sky Views – Manchester tribute was everything terrorists hate

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick would not name the attackers, citing an ongoing investigation, but said: "We do believe we know who they are".

Police have said they will release the names "as soon as operationally possible".

They have not yet revealed details about the van or what was found inside.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State has said a "detachment" of its fighters was behind the attack.

:: Anyone concerned about friends or relatives who may have been caught up in the attacks can call the police casualty bureau on 0800 096 1233 or 020 7158 0197.

(c) Sky News 2017: London terror attacks: What we know about the killers so far