Seven are dead and at least 48 hurt in terror attacks around London Bridge and Borough Market.
Just after 10pm last night, a white van swerved across the bridge, before three men jumped out and started to stab bystanders.
Armed police were called to the scene and shot dead all three attackers.
Officers also attended a stabbing in Vauxhall but later said that it was not related to the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said the terror threat level will not be raised from severe to critical, as it was after the bombing in Manchester which killed 22 people.
On Sunday morning, Prime Minister Thersa May called for a review of terror laws, longer sentences for some offfenders and greater international efforts to tackle online extremism, adding that there was “far too much tolerance of extremism in our country”.
However, she said the election would not be postponed and campaigning would resume on Monday.
Sunday’s political TV programmes have been cancelled.
Photo: Getty
As the incident unfolded, people in Borough Market were ordered to stay inside by armed police. Multiple reports emerged of knife attacks, with one BBC journalist suggesting a restaurant called Borough Bistro was among the locations targeted.
Just come out of Borough Bistro where attack happen – saw man wielding knife and people on the floor in blood. In total shock #LondonBridge
— Mauro Galluzzo (@maurogalluzzo) June 3, 2017
Picture: Getty
London Bridge station was closed and the area was evacuated, with the public asked to stay away from the area. Police also issued “Run, Hide, Tell ” advice for anyone caught up in the incidents and told people to
#Londonbridge #boroughmarket #vauxhall pic.twitter.com/a7OciBEBjH
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017
Images and reports suggested that one of the suspected assailants had cannisters strapped to his chest, however police later said the cannisters were not real bombs. A number of controlled explosions were heard around London Bridge in the hours immedietely after the attack.
Picture: Getty
Sadiq Khan condemned the attacks as “a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night”.
“I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Twitter: “Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.”
The Metropolitan Police’s Twitter account urged social media users to show restraint in sharing images and video from the incidents.
Please use common sense and restraint in circulating pics and videos of incidents #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017
Terrorist attacks using motor vehicles have risen in recent years. On 22 March, an Islamist extremist drove a car into pedestrians at Westminster Bridge and attempted to enter the Palace of Westminster.
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