London attacker's wife 'shocked and saddened' by husband's crime

The wife of London attacker Khalid Masood has issued a statement condemning her husband's actions and offering condolences to the families of his victims.

Rohey Hydara spoke out following a statement by Masood's mother Janet Ajao, who said she "shed many tears" for the victims.

"I am saddened and shocked by what Khalid has done. I totally condemn his actions. I express my condolences to the families of the victims that have died, and wish a speedy recovery to all the injured," Hydara said in a statement issued through London's Metropolitan Police.

"I would like to request privacy for our family, especially the children, at this difficult time," she added.

Masood killed four people last Wednesday outside the Palace of Westminster in London.

The 52-year-old's 82-second rampage was cut short when he was shot by armed police after he fatally stabbed policeman Keith Palmer, 48. 

Inquests into the deaths of Masood and his victims will begin later this week.

Although the Islamic State group later described Masood as a "soldier of the Islamic State," observers and experts expressed scepticism at the validity of their claim over the attack.

British security officials have said that Masood's methods bore similarities tho those of IS and that he had a clear "interest in jihad," however have said there is no evidence that he had ties to international terror groups or collaborators.