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One dead and two injured in 'serious incident' in Woolwich Ministers hold emergency meeting after fatal attack in London street
(34 minutes later)
One person has been killed during a "serious incident" close to the Woolwich military barracks. It is believed the person died after suffering injuries from a knife. The home secretary, Theresa May, has called a meeting of the government's emergency committee Cobra in response to a suspected terrorist attack near Woolwich barracks, south London, in which one person was killed and two suspects shot by armed police.
Two people – who initial accounts suggest may have been involved in the incident – have been taken to hospital after it is believed they were shot by armed police. Police say the man who died was attacked by men who they think may have been armed with a gun and knives. It is believed the person died after suffering knife injuries.
There were reports that the dead victim was attacked with a machete or bladed instrument. Two people have been taken to hospital after they were shot by armed police close to the Woolwich military barracks.
The Woolwich and Greenwich MP, Nick Raynsford, said it was his understanding that one person, a serving soldier, was dead and the two alleged suspects were in a serious condition in hospital. Witnesses described horrifying scenes in an attack that happened in broad daylight. There were reports that a man wearing a Help for Heroes T-shirt was attacked with a machete-style knife and dumped in the street.
Prime Minister David Cameron described the killing as "truly shocking" and said he had asked the home secretary to chair a meeting of Cobra, the government's emergency committee. Cobra only meets for the most serious incidents.
The Woolwich and Greenwich MP, Nick Raynsford, said it was his understanding that one person, a serving soldier, was dead but there was no immediate confirmation of this from the Ministry of Defence.
A separate source told the Guardian that the initial version of events was that a man was attacked by two other people. Those suspects were then shot by armed police called to the scene.A separate source told the Guardian that the initial version of events was that a man was attacked by two other people. Those suspects were then shot by armed police called to the scene.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the shooting by police, which is standard in cases where officers open fire. Commander Simon Letchford, from Woolwich police, said: "At approx 1420 we were called to reports of an assault in John Wilson Street, Woolwich where one man was being assaulted by two other men. A number of weapons were reportedly being used in the attack, and this included reports of a firearm.
In a statement the IPCC said it had "been made aware by Metropolitan Police Service of an incident in Woolwich, south London. IPCC investigators have been deployed to the scene and to the post-incident process.The IPCC has declared this as an independent investigation." "Officers including local Greenwich officers arrived at the scene and shortly after firearms officers arrived on the scene. On their arrival at the scene they found a man, who was later pronounced dead. At this early stage I am unable to provide any further information about the man who has died.
Counter-terrorist sources said it was unclear at this stage whether this was a terrorist attack or criminality. Two men, who we believe from early reports to have been carrying weapons, were shot by police. They were taken to separate London hospitals, they are receiving treatment for their injuries."
Chiefs at the Woolwich barracks were understood to be trying to account for military personnel, amid reports the dead person may have been connected to the military. The incident happened 300-400 metres from the perimeter of the barracks.Chiefs at the Woolwich barracks were understood to be trying to account for military personnel, amid reports the dead person may have been connected to the military. The incident happened 300-400 metres from the perimeter of the barracks.
The initial account was confused, and various people claiming to be eyewitnesses posted accounts and pictures on Twitter.The initial account was confused, and various people claiming to be eyewitnesses posted accounts and pictures on Twitter.
At least one person is pictured lying on the ground, it is possible the social media site pictures show a total of three people lying on the ground.At least one person is pictured lying on the ground, it is possible the social media site pictures show a total of three people lying on the ground.
The Met said they had been called at 14.20.The Met said they had been called at 14.20.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the shooting by police, which is standard in cases where officers open fire.
In a statement the IPCC said it had "been made aware by Metropolitan Police Service of an incident in Woolwich, south London. IPCC investigators have been deployed to the scene and to the post-incident process. The IPCC has declared this as an independent investigation."
Raynsford said: "The incident occurred early afternoon. One individual is dead, two others are seriously injured and in hospital.Raynsford said: "The incident occurred early afternoon. One individual is dead, two others are seriously injured and in hospital.
"The circumstances causing the incident are not yet clear. It's been suggested it was the product of a road traffic accident, but that's pure speculation."The circumstances causing the incident are not yet clear. It's been suggested it was the product of a road traffic accident, but that's pure speculation.
"I'll be talking to everyone who is involved, we will be trying to do everything possible to try and ensure calm in the area. People will be very, very shocked."I'll be talking to everyone who is involved, we will be trying to do everything possible to try and ensure calm in the area. People will be very, very shocked.
"We think a serving soldier was the victim. We don't know the circumstances surrounding the incident."We think a serving soldier was the victim. We don't know the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"We do know a number of weapons have been seized. They include a gun, various knives, and a machete, apparently."We do know a number of weapons have been seized. They include a gun, various knives, and a machete, apparently.
"The police clearly had to take action in order to try and arrest these individuals.""The police clearly had to take action in order to try and arrest these individuals."
The Press Association news agency said a man wearing a Help for Heroes T-shirt was attacked with a machete-style knife and dumped in the street, quoting eyewitnesses at the scene.
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