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'Van hits pedestrians' on London Bridge London Bridge: Police respond to three 'serious incidents' in capital a week before election
(35 minutes later)
A van has reportedly hit a number of pedestrians on London Bridge, injuring several. London is reeling after armed police scrambled to respond to three reported incidents - with one person reported to have been killed and a number of left injured and the entire country put on edge less than a week before the election. 
Armed police and emergency vehicles have been dispatched to the scene, where there were unconfirmed reports of bodies lying on the ground. Police advised people to either run or hide in a place of safety, as they rushed to deal first with reports of a van hitting a number of people on London Bridge. With witnessing reporting seeing up to half-a-dozen people injured, police then confirmed they were responding to a second incident in Borough Market, and then a third, in Vauxhall. It was not immediately clear, if or how, the incidents were related.
British Transport Police said there are reports of “multiple” casualties following a major incident in the area. Armed police and emergency vehicles have been dispatched to the scenes of the various incidents, which happened sometime after 10pm, as the capital was full of people enjoying themselves.
A police officer at the scene, who sounded in an emotional state, told people near the area: “It's not a laughing matter. It's not something to be recorded, people have died.” “Please remain calm, but be alert & vigilant. We are using all necessary skills & resources at #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket #Vauxhall,” the Metropolitan Police said in a tweet.
The Met Police confirmed that they are dealing with an incident on the bridge and “multiple resources” are in attendance. The drama that rocked the nation’s capital came just days before the country is due to hold its General Election on June 8, and less than two weeks before a homemade bomb was detonated at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande.
The force has said they are also responding to an incident at Borough Market, with armed officers at the scene.  In the aftermath of that incident, which killed 23 adults and children, there were some suggestions that the election should be postponed. In what was widely seen as a determination that life should carry on as normally as possible, a decision was taken for election to proceed.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who had called the snap election, was being briefed about what had transpired on London. A spokesman said she had been in contact with officials and was receiving updates. Reports said she had returned to Downing Street to monitor events. She is expected to chair an emergency security meeting on Sunday morning, according to the Associated Press.
British Transport Police said there are reports of “multiple” casualties following the incidents .
A police officer at the scene of the incident on London Bridge, who sounded in an emotional state, told people near the area: “It's not a laughing matter. It's not something to be recorded, people have died.”
The force confirmed that armed officers had responded to the incident at Borough Market. Cell phone video posted on social media showed police entering a bar and ordered people on to the floor.
"Get down, get down," the officers could be heard to say.
Transport for London (TfL) said the bridge has been closed in both directions "at the request of police" due to a “major police incident”.Transport for London (TfL) said the bridge has been closed in both directions "at the request of police" due to a “major police incident”.
Bus routes were being diverted and the neighbouring Southwark Bridge has also been shut, it added.Bus routes were being diverted and the neighbouring Southwark Bridge has also been shut, it added.
BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time of the incident, said the van was driven by a man and was “probably travelling at about 50 miles an hour”.BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time of the incident, said the van was driven by a man and was “probably travelling at about 50 miles an hour”.
“I'd say there are about four severely injured people. They all have paramedics assisting them at the moment.”“I'd say there are about four severely injured people. They all have paramedics assisting them at the moment.”
She added that a French woman was among the injured and who told her she did not know where the two people who had been with her were.She added that a French woman was among the injured and who told her she did not know where the two people who had been with her were.
She later reported seeing a man being arrested by police. She said he was handcuffed and had his shirt off.She later reported seeing a man being arrested by police. She said he was handcuffed and had his shirt off.
Another witness, Spectator journalist Will Heaven, tweeted: “It seemed south side of London Bridge epicentre of what seems a terrorist attack. We have been escorted by police from bridge.Another witness, Spectator journalist Will Heaven, tweeted: “It seemed south side of London Bridge epicentre of what seems a terrorist attack. We have been escorted by police from bridge.
“What I saw: injured pedestrians, first responders, armed police, people running north.”“What I saw: injured pedestrians, first responders, armed police, people running north.”
Deputy editor of the Sunday Times, Sarah Baxter, tweeted that reporters for the newspaper witnessed “several pedestrians mown down as van weaved across road.”Deputy editor of the Sunday Times, Sarah Baxter, tweeted that reporters for the newspaper witnessed “several pedestrians mown down as van weaved across road.”
Anyone living in cordoned off areas near London Bridge are being told by police to find somewhere else to stay for the night. Anyone living in cordoned off areas near London Bridge are being told by police to find somewhere else to stay for the night.
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