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London attack: What we know so far London attack: What we know so far
(about 1 hour later)
Five people have died and 40 people have been injured in a terror attack near the Houses of Parliament. Here is what we know so far.Five people have died and 40 people have been injured in a terror attack near the Houses of Parliament. Here is what we know so far.
What happened?What happened?
At 14.40 GMT a single attacker drove a car over Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London, killing two pedestrians and injuring many more. At 14.40 GMT a single attacker drove a car over Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London, killing at least two pedestrians and injuring many more.
The car then crashed into railings outside the Houses of Parliament.The car then crashed into railings outside the Houses of Parliament.
The attacker, armed with a knife, ran to Parliament where he was confronted by the police. One officer - who was not armed - was stabbed and killed.The attacker, armed with a knife, ran to Parliament where he was confronted by the police. One officer - who was not armed - was stabbed and killed.
The attacker was shot dead by armed officers.The attacker was shot dead by armed officers.
Latest updates from the scene in WestminsterLatest updates from the scene in Westminster
What was the scene like?What was the scene like?
Witnesses have described pandemonium and panic.Witnesses have described pandemonium and panic.
One, Richard Tice, said he was coming out of Westminster tube station at about 14:45 and was ushered by police onto Westminster Bridge.One, Richard Tice, said he was coming out of Westminster tube station at about 14:45 and was ushered by police onto Westminster Bridge.
He saw people lying on the bridge being tended to. He was told that a car had mounted the pavement and driven the whole way, from south to north, across the bridge, knocking people over.He saw people lying on the bridge being tended to. He was told that a car had mounted the pavement and driven the whole way, from south to north, across the bridge, knocking people over.
"I counted eight people the length of the bridge, from south to north - at least eight.""I counted eight people the length of the bridge, from south to north - at least eight."
Who were the victims?Who were the victims?
Most of their identities are not yet known. So far, only the police officer has been named. He was PC Keith Palmer, 48, of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. He had 15 years' service and was a husband and a father.
The five who died included the attacker, the police officer and two people who were on the bridge. The injured included three police officers who were walking across the bridge on their way back from a commendation ceremony. Two are described as being in a serious condition.
The injured included three police officers who were walking across the bridge on their way back from a commendation ceremony. Police said a "range of nationalities" were among the injured.
A group of French schoolchildren were also on the bridge and three were injured in the incident. A group of French schoolchildren were on the bridge and three were injured in the incident.
Four university students from Edge Hill University, in Lancashire, were also injured in the attack. Two were sent to hospital as "walking wounded", whilst two others had minor injuries. Four university students from Edge Hill University, in Lancashire, were also hurt. Two were sent to hospital as "walking wounded", whilst two others had minor injuries.
London Ambulance Service said it had treated 12 people with serious injuries, who were all taken to hospital. They also treated eight people with less serious injuries at the scene.London Ambulance Service said it had treated 12 people with serious injuries, who were all taken to hospital. They also treated eight people with less serious injuries at the scene.
Kings College Hospital says eight patients were being treated there - six male, and two female. Two were described as critical and two stableKings College Hospital says eight patients were being treated there - six male, and two female. Two were described as critical and two stable
St Thomas' Hospital said two patients had been admitted - both were stable.St Thomas' Hospital said two patients had been admitted - both were stable.
One patient was admitted to the Royal London Hospital, but no details were given.
Just after 17:00 GMT, a woman was pulled alive from the River Thames, but with injuries.Just after 17:00 GMT, a woman was pulled alive from the River Thames, but with injuries.
Who was the attacker? Was there only one?Who was the attacker? Was there only one?
The attacker has not yet been identified. The prime minister said on Wednesday evening that there was a "single attacker". The prime minister said there was a "single attacker".
He has not yet been named. Police say they think they know who he is, and are "working to look at associates". Acting deputy commissioner Mark Rowley, the Met's top anti-terror officer, urged restraint from "proactive investigative journalists" in working out who he was.
Mr Rowley said the working assumption was that the attacker was "inspired by international terrorism", but would not comment on his nationality or any other details.
He said police were focusing on the suspect's "motivation, preparation and associates".
What security has been put in place?What security has been put in place?
Parliament was suspended and politicians, journalists and visitors to the buildings were locked in for about five hours.Parliament was suspended and politicians, journalists and visitors to the buildings were locked in for about five hours.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from Parliament to Westminster Abbey for safety.Hundreds of people were evacuated from Parliament to Westminster Abbey for safety.
Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords will sit on Thursday at their normal times.Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords will sit on Thursday at their normal times.
Police and the London mayor said there would be more unarmed and armed police officers on the streets in following days.Police and the London mayor said there would be more unarmed and armed police officers on the streets in following days.
The UK's threat level has been set at "severe" - meaning an attack is highly likely - for some time and this would not change, the prime minister said.The UK's threat level has been set at "severe" - meaning an attack is highly likely - for some time and this would not change, the prime minister said.
What about travel in the area?What about travel in the area?
Westminster underground station has been closed and is open for interchange only.Westminster underground station has been closed and is open for interchange only.
Police are asking people to avoid the following areas: Parliament Square; Whitehall; Westminster Bridge; Lambeth Bridge; Victoria Street up to the junction with Broadway and the Victoria Embankment up to Embankment tube.Police are asking people to avoid the following areas: Parliament Square; Whitehall; Westminster Bridge; Lambeth Bridge; Victoria Street up to the junction with Broadway and the Victoria Embankment up to Embankment tube.