Theresa May has issued a rebuke to Donald Trump, after the US President suggested the person responsible for a suspected terror attack on a London Tube train was “in the sights of Scotland Yard”.

In a surprisingly frank response to a question about a tweet from the President about the attack, the Prime Minister said it was not “helpful” for anyone to start speculating about an ongoing investigation.

It came after Mr Trump took to Twitter in his usual style to comment on the explosion at Parsons Green underground station, and appeared to criticise UK security forces and the way the Government has dealt with terrorism.

Asked directly about the President’s tweet, Ms May said: “I never think it’s helpful for anybody to speculate on what is an ongoing investigation.”

The Prime Minister was speaking after chairing a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee to update ministers and key security officials on the most recent developments in the investigation.

Mr Trump tweeted a matter of hours after the explosion – which left at least 22 people injured – telling his followers: “Another attack in London by a loser terrorist. These are sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard. Must be proactive!”

Ms May’s apparent rebuke to the President contrasts with previous occasions, when she has been criticised for being too close to him and not sufficiently questioning his views, including those Mr Trump expressed in the wake of the Charlottesville unrest.

re·tard·ed

less advanced in mental, physical, or social development than is usual for one's age.

very foolish or stupid.
"in retrospect, it was a totally retarded idea"