Police say several people have been stabbed in a terrorist incident on London Bridge.
Emergency services, including armed police, were called to the landmark crossing, which was cordoned off by the force at about 2pm.
The suspect, a man, was shot and killed at the scene by armed officers.
He is said to have been strapped with a device which police believe to be a “hoax explosive”.
A major cordon has been put in place around the bridge as a precaution as police continue to scour the area “to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public”.
There were widespread reports of gunshots in the area, with the bridge evacuated.
The conditions of those injured is not currently known.
Giving a statement following the incident, Met Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: “At approximately 2pm police were called to a stabbing at a premises near to London Bridge. Emergency services attended, including officers from the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police.
“A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from the City of London Police. I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene.
“A number of other people received injuries during this incident. As soon as we can provide further updates on their condition we will.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who as been involved in this and is anxiously waiting for information on their loved ones. As soon as we get can that information we will get it to you.
“As you would expect due to the nature of the incident, we responded as though this was terrorist-related. I am now in a position to confirm that it was a terrorist incident.”
AC Basu added: “Due to reports that the suspect may have had an explosive device, specialist officers also attended the scene and wide cordons are in place to ensure there remains no further danger to the public.
“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.
“Officers continue to carry out meticulous searches in the area to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public.
“Those extensive cordons will remain in place for a considerable time and I would ask the public, please, continue to avoid the area. Public safety is obviously our top priority.”
He also said there will be “increased patrols” across London following the incident and appealed for anyone with information, images or footage of the incident to contact police via the UK Police Image Appeal website
In an earlier tweet, Metropolitan Police said that “a number of people have been stabbed”.
A number of people have been stabbed. We will provide further information when possible.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 29, 2019
Police were called at 1:58pm to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge.
Emergency services attended, including officers from the Met and @CoLP
A man has been detained by police. We believe a number of people have been injured. Further info to follow.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 29, 2019
At this stage, the circumstances relating to the incident at #LondonBridge 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. We will provide further information when possible.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 29, 2019
We are aware of reports circulating on social media.
We will release facts when we can – our info must be accurate.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 29, 2019
City of London Police tweeted: “We aware of the reported incident on London Bridge. Please avoid the area at this current time. We will continue to provide updates.”
We aware of the reported incident on London Bridge. Please avoid the area at this current time.
We will continue to provide updates. pic.twitter.com/JmuFl8DHOX— City of London Police (@CityPolice) November 29, 2019
Earlier the force said: “We are in the early stages of dealing with an incident at London Bridge.
“If you are near the scene, please follow the directions of any officer on the ground.”
Author Owen Jones, who was near London Bridge, said: “I’m near London Bridge, looks like a bad incident – people running, police yelling “Keep moving”, lots of emergency services, area cordoned off. Stay safe everyone.”
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.
— MPS Events (@MetPoliceEvents) November 29, 2019
We are currently dealing with an incident at London Bridge. Please stand by for updates.
— MPS Events (@MetPoliceEvents) November 29, 2019
Hope everyone is okay in #LondonBridge news is saying there has been a another terror incident pic.twitter.com/KjBrAnyG45
— Joshua Fleet (@JoshuaFleet) November 29, 2019
View of the #londonbridge incident from London City Hospital. pic.twitter.com/9NtLeydxgr
— Tim Davies (@TimDaviesTax) November 29, 2019
Police shouting for everyone to move away. Real panic setting in at London Bridge. Rumours of a shooting? pic.twitter.com/vBZoKu73za
— Timothy Johnson (@timtj) November 29, 2019
Gunshots heard on London Bridge. Huge amount of police. pic.twitter.com/U6Qo7kd1zI
— Ahmad Yousef (@EgyptianPlayers) November 29, 2019
I’m near London Bridge, looks like a bad incident – people running, police yelling “Keep moving”, lots of emergency services, area cordoned off. Stay safe everyone pic.twitter.com/1nF2YNUQTN
— Owen Jones? (@OwenJones84) November 29, 2019
More to follow.
