A single attacker drove along a pavement over Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London, killing at least two people and injuring many more.
Five people were killed and about 40 injured in London yesterday after a car plowed into pedestrians and a suspected Islamist-inspired attacker stabbed a policeman close to Britain's parliament.
According to Reuters, the dead, in what police called a "marauding terrorist attack," included the assailant and the policeman he stabbed. The other three victims were among those hit by the car as it sped across Westminster Bridge before crashing into railings just outside parliament.
The attack unfolded at about 14.40 GMT when a single attacker drove a grey Hyundai i40 along a pavement over Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London, killing at least two people and injuring many more. The car then crashed into railings outside the Houses of Parliament. The attacker, armed with a knife, ran to Parliament where he was confronted by the police. PC Palmer – who was not armed – was then stabbed and killed.
The attacker was shot dead by armed officers.
Police say 29 other people were treated in hospital, seven of whom are in a critical condition. One woman was killed after being hit by the attacker's car before it reached Parliament. She was confirmed dead by a doctor at St Thomas' Hospital.
Mark Rowley, Britain's most senior counter-terrorism officer, told reporters the attack started when a car was driven over Westminster Bridge, hitting and injuring members of the public and three police officers.
"A car then crashed near to parliament and at least one man, armed with a knife, continued the attack and tried to enter parliament," Rowley said.
He said the police's "fast-paced investigation" was working on the assumption that the attack was "Islamist-related terrorism". Police believed they knew the identity of the attacker but would not provide details at this stage, he said.
It was the deadliest attack in London since four British Islamists killed 52 commuters and themselves in suicide bombings on the city's transport system in July 2005, in London's worst peacetime attack.
It took place on the first anniversary of attacks by Islamist militants that killed 32 people in Brussels.
Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the attack. "The location of this attack was no accident," she said in a statement. "The terrorist chose to strike at the heart of our capital city, where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech. Any attempt to defeat those values through violence was "doomed to failure", May said.
ETOA statement on incident in Westminster
As you may be aware, an incident, which has been described by the Metropolitan Police as “Terrorist” occurred in Westminster this afternoon. Details of what happened are still emerging.
It is obviously a matter of deep concern that people appear to have died, and several more injured. Some of these were visitors.
For those not directly involved, it is important to know the extent of the disruption. There are severe delays around Parliament Square, whose closure has diverted several bus lines. Circle, District and Jubilee Line trains are not stopping at Westminster Station. Boat services under Westminster Bridge are suspended. This is expected to last at least until tomorrow. In terms of visitor attractions both the London Eye and Banqueting House are a currently affected.
Other than this, there is no other disruption.
This incident has to be viewed in context. Anywhere there are cars, fatalities occur. In terms of traffic safety, Britain happens to be a world leader*. The intentional nature of this incident makes it newsworthy. It does not make the UK any less safe. It will still be one of the safest countries in the world to be a pedestrian. It will still be one of the safest countries on earth to visitor.
London remains open.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
