07:58 UPDATE: Multiple casualties after terror attack at London Bridge, nearby market:
At least 20 people were taken to hospitals across London after the terrorist attacks on London Bridge and at Borough Market, London Ambulance Service said in a statement. The injured were taken to six hospitals, while other people were treated at the scene, London Ambulance Service Assistant Director of Operations Peter Rhodes said.
Police in London were dealing with what appeared to be a coordinated terrorist attack on at least two locations late Saturday night, after a van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and a knife attack was reported in a cafe nearby.
Eyewitnesses reported panic as the attacks unfolded, in the vicinity of a major transport hub and in an area packed with restaurants and bars.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said authorities were dealing with a “terrible incident” and London’s Metropolitan Police Service said incidents at London Bridge and nearby Borough Market were being treated as terrorism.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said it was “deliberate and cowardly attack” on Londoners enjoying a Saturday night out.
It was the third terrorist attack to strike the United Kingdom this year, after a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in March and the bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester two weeks ago.
07:47 1 killed, many hurt as van runs through crowd, stabbings in London: A massive manhunt was underway as Scotland Yard armed officers were dispatched to London Bridge after a van ploughed into pedestrians in a suspected terror attack followed by stabbing incidents in the area.
Several people have been injured with one feared dead as gunfire was also heard in the area, the police said.
“From 2208 hrs (local time) officers responded to reports of a vehicle in collision with pedestrians on #London Bridge. Officers have then responded to reports of stabbings in #BoroughMarket. Armed officers responded and shots have been fired,” the metropolitan police said in a statement on Twitter. “Officers are now responding to an incident in the #Vauxhall area,” the statement added.
There are reports of a number of casualties,
British Transport Police has said. “The Prime Minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated on the incident at London Bridge,” Downing Street said.
Transport for London said the bridge has been closed in both directions due to a “major police incident”.
Source: Rediff