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London terror attack: what we know so far London terror attack: what we know so far
(35 minutes later)
Events are unfolding rapidly in Westminster after a major terrorist incident incident outside the Houses of Parliament. Events are unfolding rapidly in Westminster after a terrorist incident outside the Houses of Parliament.
Here is what the Guardian has been able to confirm so far:Here is what the Guardian has been able to confirm so far:
A police officer has been stabbed and the alleged assailant shot by armed police following an incident inside the security cordon of the Houses of Parliament. Four people have died, including a police officer and one man believed to be the attacker, police said.
Photographs and video emerged of a number of casualties on Westminster Bridge, next to the parliament buildings, who had apparently been struck by a car. At least 20 other people were injured in the attack, some with “catastrophic” wounds.
One woman has died and others have been left with “catastrophic” injuries, according to a doctor from St Thomas’ hospital where some are being treated. The alleged assailant drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before crashing it and then trying to enter the complex, armed with a knife.
The London ambulance service has said at least 10 people were treated on the bridge. He was shot by armed police inside the security cordon of the Houses of Parliament.
Police confirmed there were multiple casualties including police officers, but refused to say exactly how many were thought to be involved. Police currently believe there was only one attacker, but have locked down the area around Westminster and are searching the area.
One woman was rescued from the Thames with serious injuries, a spokesman for the Port of London Authority said. Two of the victims are thought to have died on the bridge.
Footage showed a car that had crashed into the perimeter railings of the parliamentary complex. Several French students were among the injured, the French prime minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, said.
Other images, taken from inside the Palace of Westminster building, showed paramedics treating a person inside the Old Palace Yard, within the security cordon. Three police officers returning from a ceremony were also among those injured on the bridge.
One woman was rescued from the Thames with serious injuries, after she apparently jumped or fell from the bridge, a spokesman for the Port of London Authority said.
Minister for counter-terrorism Tobias Ellwood was among those who raced to give first aid to the police officer who later died. Pictures showed him with blood on his face as he administered CPR
Scotland Yard said the attack in Westminster was being treated “as a terrorist incident until we know otherwise”.Scotland Yard said the attack in Westminster was being treated “as a terrorist incident until we know otherwise”.
The House of Commons has been put in lockdown, with many MPs confined to the Commons chamber after parliamentary business was suspended.The House of Commons has been put in lockdown, with many MPs confined to the Commons chamber after parliamentary business was suspended.
David Lidington, the leader of the House of Commons, confirmed to the assembled MPs that there had been a “serious incident” inside the parliamentary estate. Armed police were searching the Palace of Westminster
He said: “It seems that a police officer has been stabbed; that the alleged assailant was shot by armed police. An air ambulance is attending the scene to remove the casualties. There are also reports of further violent incidents in the vicinity.”
The prime minister, Theresa May, was evacuated from the parliament building within minutes and driven to Downing Street.The prime minister, Theresa May, was evacuated from the parliament building within minutes and driven to Downing Street.
London ambulance service said it was called to Westminster Bridge at 2.40pm, with the first crew arriving within six minutes. It has declared a major incident.London ambulance service said it was called to Westminster Bridge at 2.40pm, with the first crew arriving within six minutes. It has declared a major incident.
An emergency services helicopter landed in Parliament Square. Air ambulance medics are attending to the casualties inside the Old Palace Yard and on Westminster Bridge.
Both the ambulance service and the Metropolitan police have appealed to the public to call 999 only in a genuine emergency.Both the ambulance service and the Metropolitan police have appealed to the public to call 999 only in a genuine emergency.
The London Eye, opposite the House of Parliament on the other side of Westminster Bridge, is also in lockdown, with some being held inside the attraction’s pods. The London Eye, opposite parliament on the other side of Westminster Bridge, is also in lockdown, with some being held inside the attraction’s pods.
The Thames has been closed to all but emergency vessels between Vauxhall Bridge and Embankment.The Thames has been closed to all but emergency vessels between Vauxhall Bridge and Embankment.