Seven people have been killed in a “terrorist incident” that took place in London last night.
Reports state that at least 48 people were injured, as tragedy struck London Bridge and Borough Market at approximately 22:00 BST on Saturday night.
Three men wearing fake bomb jackets drove a white van into a crowd, before stabbing multiple people. Confirmed by multiple sources, all three suspects were shot and killed by police within eight minutes of the first attack. Motives remain unclear as police continue the investigation. The identities of the deceased suspects are also not yet known.
At 0025hrs 4/6/17 the incidents at #LondonBridge & #BoroughMarket were declared as terrorist incidents.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017
Cressida Dick, Chief Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police, has said that the situation is “under control”. In a statement made this morning, she also said that “many people risked their own safety to help others and treat those seriously injured and indeed to confront suspects involved.”
Victims are being treated across five different hospitals, including a British Transport Officer who was stabbed in the face responding to the attack. Nearby streets and tube stations continue to be shut today. If you are concerned for a friend or relative, then you can call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 096 1233 or on 020 7158 0197. Call 999 in an emergency only.
Casualty Bureau is now open on 0800 096 1233 & 020 7158 0197 #LondonBridge#BoroughMarketpic.twitter.com/bz3K4mhZ3w
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 4, 2017
It follows a similar attack in Manchester, where a bomb set off at an Ariana Grande concert killed 22 people. Not long before, aterror attack in Westminster killed six people. Organisers have confirmed that a benefit concert for the victims of the Manchester attack will go ahead tonight despite the news, but with “additional security”.
All national election campaigning has once again been suspended, as political leaders condemned the atrocity in the strongest possible terms. There have been some calls to delay the June 8 general election. However, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has said we “can’t allow them” to stop us voting next week.
We are all shocked and angry today - but this is our city. We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/kcosumkdCR
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 4, 2017
British Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that the general election will go ahead as planned, and has said that the UK is experiencing a "brutal" new trend of terror in a speech made outside 10 Downing Street.
Four arrestshave been made at flats in Barking in connection with the attack.