Timeline: deadly London attack latest in string of terror strikes on British soil in recent years
After Irish republicans ended regular bombings in 2001, most attacks since have been carried out by homegrown Islamists, the deadliest remains the July 2005 assault on London transport:
2003: Airliner attack foiled
Al-Qaeda plans to hijack planes leaving London Heathrow airport and crash them into the airport and a high-rise building in London’s Canary Wharf business district are foiled.
2004: Multiple attacks foiled
March 30, 2004: Seven British people are arrested and accused of planning a series of attacks in Britain, including on a “large disco” in London and electricity and gas installations.
2005: London transport attacked
July 7, 2005: Four British suicide bombers inspired by al-Qaeda attack London’s transport system during rush hour, killing 52 people – as well as themselves – and wounding 700. Two weeks later a failed attempt is made by another group to carry out a second wave of attacks.
2006: Transatlantic flight attacks foiled
August 10, 2006: British police foil a plot by an eight-man British gang to blow up airliners flying between the United States, Canada and Britain over the Atlantic Ocean using liquid explosives. The plot results in new restrictions on what passengers can carry on board.