A man was shot dead by
police near
London Bridge and a number of people have been stabbed in what
Scotland Yard declared as a terror incident on Friday afternoon.
Heroic civilians helped grapple the suspected knifeman to the ground and disarm him before specialist officers arrived at the scene.
The area surrounding Borough Market was evacuated and London Bridge was closed to traffic and pedestrians, with trains not stopping at the station.How many people are injured?Police have said only that “a number of people” were stabbed in the incident. In addition, they shot and killed at the man suspected to be responsible for the attack at the scene.
Neil Basu, the head of
UK counter-terrorism policing, said said he would give updates to the families of those injured “as soon as we can get that information”.
“A number of other people received injuries during this incident,” he said at a press conference at Scotland Yard. “As soon as we can provide further updates on their condition, we will.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everybody who has been involved in this and is anxiously waiting for information on their loved ones.
“As soon as we can get that information, we will get it to you.”Was this a terror attack?Basu said the attack “has been declared as a terror incident” but that police were keeping an open mind about the motive. Initially, they had merely said they were responding as though it could have been terror-related.Who was responsible?Police believe they have shot and killed the man responsible for the stabbings. Footage taken by witnesses appeared to show the suspect being restrained by members of the public, before being shot at point-blank range by specialist armed officers.
Basu said in a press conference that specialist officers had been deployed after reports that the suspect had an explosive vest, but the device was believed to be a “hoax”.
He added: “Due to reports that the suspect might have had an explosive device, specialist officers attended the scene.
“However, I can confirm at this time we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device.”
It is believed that police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the attack.
Mayor of London
Sadiq Khan spoke of the “breathtaking heroism” the civilians showed.
They “literally ran towards danger,” he said, “not knowing what confronted them.
“We do know from the statement given by the assistant commissioner Neil Basu is that there appears to be a device on the suspect.
“Members of the public didn’t realise at the time that was a hoax device and they really are the best of us, another example of the bravery and heroism of ordinary Londoners running towards danger, risking their own personal safety to try and save others.
“And I want to say thank you to them on behalf of all Londoners but also because it shows the best of us.”What have politicians said?The attack happened during campaigning for the general
election next month.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, prime minister Boris Johnson thanked the police and emergency services for their quick response, later adding that the UK would “never be cowed or divided or intimidated by this sort of attack and our
British values will prevail”.
The PM said there was a “certain amount that the police are able to share with us at the moment” but that it was “not yet entirely clear and they are not at a stage where it is possible to go public”.
He added that meetings were ongoing within Number 10, stating that “to the best of our knowledge the incident has been contained”, and said he would be reviewing whether or not election campaigning would continue as normal in the wake of the attack.
Home secretary Priti Patel wrote on Twitter: “Very concerned by ongoing incident at London Bridge. My thoughts are with all affected. I am grateful for the rapid response of our police and I urge everyone to follow their advice.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan called on Londoners to “stay resolute in our determination to stand strong and united in the face of terror”. My statement on the incident at London Bridge. pic.twitter.com/UDL77f4uMK— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 29, 2019Can I travel to London Bridge? London Bridge National Rail and Underground stations remained closed on Friday afternoon, with no given time for reopening. National Rail would only say that disruption was expected to continue “until further notice.”
City of London Police and British Transport Police have asked visitors to avoid the area, deferring to the Met for further updates. A number of cordons remain in place and travellers are being urged to find alternative means to get home. IMPORTANT NOTICE: London Bridge station is CLOSED. Please seek alternative travel as there are no time scales as to when we will reopen.— London Bridge (@NetworkRailLBG) November 29, 2019#LondonBridge - Disruption is expected to continue until further notice.— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) November 29, 2019ℹ️ #LondonBridge - Advice for Southeastern customers: pic.twitter.com/0wcBIo5tLP— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) November 29, 2019We are aware of an incident at #LondonBridge and are assisting our colleagues at @metpoliceuk.London Bridge station is currently closed and trains are none stopping.Please check with @metpoliceuk for further updates. pic.twitter.com/GbbLvNM36Y— British Transport Police (@BTP) November 29, 2019We are continuing to work with @metpoliceUK and @BTP on the #LondonBridge incidentPlease avoid the area and check @TfL and @nationalrailenq before travellingFor further updates please follow @metpoliceukpic.twitter.com/Z1fPsWCQPj— City of London Police (@CityPolice) November 29, 2019Can I help?“I would ask anyone with information, image or footage of the incident that this be shared with our investigation team to do so on the UK Police Image appeal website,” added Basu.
“I would also ask the public to continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns they have to police.”
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation can call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency call 999.