Police kill man wearing hoax explosive device in London Bridge terrorist incident
Police have shot and killed a man wearing a hoax explosive device after multiple people were injured during a terrorist incident on London Bridge this afternoon.
The Metropolitan Police said “a number of people have been stabbed” during the incident, following reports circulating on social media of multiple stabbings.
Met commissioner Neil Basu said one suspect was shot and killed at the scene in what has now been confirmed as a terrorist incident.
Basu said that the suspect had a device strapped to his body, but that this was believed to be a hoax.
It follows reports of a number of gunshots in the area.
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Officers were called to London Bridge at 1.58pm along with emergency services.
The Met said: “At this stage, the circumstances relating to the incident at London Bridge remain unclear. However, as a precaution, we are currently responding to this incident as though it is terror-related. One man has been shot by police.”
Sky News reported that at least one person who is not the attacker has been killed.
Social media images show a number of police cars on London Bridge, with a lorry stationary across the middle of the bridge.
The below video shows two armed police pointing their guns at a suspect on London Bridge.
Police have cordoned off the bridge and the London Ambulance Service were on the scene.
Police sources told Sky News a man was shot and killed on the bridge.
Eye witnesses told City PM that police were heard shouting “get down” before gunshots sounded.
“There’s been an attack, we don’t know what type. There are multiple people injured,” a Canada police officer told City PM
‘I heard six gunshots’
Witnesses from the Fisheries Building heard police sirens on the bridge before the sounds of what they believed to be multiple gunshots.
“We heard gunshots and looked out the window and could see people on the ground, then the police came in and evacuated us,” one office worker in Regis House told City PM
Another told us: “I heard six gunshots. A medic came up with blood on his hands and asked for a medic kit.”
Police have asked the crowd if there are any doctors and nurses.
BBC reporter John McManus said he saw a group of men on London Bridge in what appeared to be a fight.
Armed police then quickly arrived and shots were fired.
Yahoo Finance reported that the incident followed stabbings at Fishmongers’ Hall, which overlooks London Bridge.
“I heard at least 10 shots fired and a couple of bangs like flash bangs serious incident,” one witness, Dan Castleton, wrote on Twitter.
Timothy Johnson tweeted: “Police shouting for everyone to move away. Real panic setting in at London Bridge.”
Canada Police have warned people to avoid the area at this current time.
Prime Minister returns to Downing Street
In a statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I’m being kept updated on the incident at London Bridge and want to thank the police and all emergency services for their immediate response.”
Johnson is returning to Downing Street for updates on the incident after being in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.
Sadiq Khan praises emergency services for response to ‘horrendous’ incident
Meanwhile London mayor Sadiq Khan thanked the “brave” emergency services and urged Londoners to avoid the area.
“The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that as a precaution the horrendous incident at London Bridge is being treated as though it is terrorism-related,” he said.
“I remain in close contact with the Metropolitan Police and am being kept updated with events. It has been confirmed that people were injured in the attack. My heart goes out to them, their families and all affected.
“Thank you to our brave emergency services who responded to today’s horrific attack. Every day they put their lives on the line for us – running towards danger in order to keep London safe.
“We must – and we will – stay resolute in our determination to stand strong and united in the face of terror. Those who seek to attack us and divide us will never succeed.
“The London Bridge area remains closed – please avoid the area at this time and follow Met Police for further updates, and TfL for travel updates. If you are near the incident, please follow the directions of any officers on the ground.”
City PM saw around 20 police cars at the scene and three ambulances and police have evacuated the entire area.
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The cordon starts around 200 metres away from London Bridge.
Sniffer dogs have now been deployed in the area.
The Met said: “We are in the early stages of dealing with an incident at London Bridge. Please follow @metpoliceuk for updates. If you are near the scene, please follow the directions of any officer on the ground.”
London Bridge Tube and main station closed
Southeastern said trains will not call at London Bridge until further notice.
“London Bridge is closed in both directions due to an ongoing emergency services incident,” Transport for London added. “Use alternative routes.”
British Transport Police warned that London Bridge mainline station is closed.
Meanwhile Tube trains are not stopping at London Bridge Underground station.