Four killed, 20 wounded in UK Parliament terror attack in London

The  attacker stabbed a police officer to death after a car plowed into people in Westminister Bridge which killed two. The assailant was killed too in the attack just outside the Parliament.

Mark Rowley, the national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing and the Acting Deputy Commissioner, said: "As you know we have declared this a terrorist incident and the Counter Terrorism Command are carrying out a full scale investigation into the events today.

"The attack started when a car was driven over Westminster Bridge, hitting and injuring a number of members of the public and three police officers who were on their way back from a commendation ceremony.

"The car then crashed near to Parliament and at least one man - armed with a knife - continued the attack, trying to enter Parliament."

"Sadly - I can now confirm that four people have died. That includes a policeman who was protecting Parliament from the attack and one man we believe to be the attacker who was shot by a police firearms officer.

"The officer's family have been made aware. At least 20 people have been injured. As part of long established and well rehearsed plans, Parliament was locked down and the Met responded in line with our plans for a marauding terrorist attack.

"That response included uniformed and specialist trained firearms officers," he said.

Flag was at half-mast over Scotland Yard tonight to mark the death of the officer and the other victims of this afternoon’s attack in #Westminster, tweeted Scotland Yard.

Following the events in #Westminster today there will be extra police officers - both armed & unarmed - out on our streets

While earlier reports said a woman was killed, according to CNN, a woman was pulled alive from the River Thames amid chaos in the area, the heart of political life in Britain.

Meanwhile, in a statement given by Commander BJ Harrington at 17:45 hrs on 22 March at New Scotland Yard, he said: "Since 14:40hrs this afternoon (Wednesday, 22 March) the MPS has responded to an incident in the area of Parliament Square, and the Senior National Coordinator has declared this a terrorist incident.

"And although we remain open minded to the motive, a full counter terrorism investigation is already underway - this is led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.

"At this stage I will confirm what we know has happened, but I will not speculate.

"We received a number of different reports - which included a person in the river, a car in collision with pedestrians and a man armed with a knife.

"Officers were already in the location as part of our routine policing operation. Immediately, additional officers were sent to the scene and that included firearms officers.

"We are working closely with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

"I'd like to repeat our request for the public to avoid the following areas:

"Parliament Square; Whitehall; Westminster Bridge; Lambeth Bridge; Victoria Street up to the junction with Broadway and the Victoria Embankment up to Embankment tube.

"This is to allow emergency services to deal with this ongoing incident.

"There is an ongoing investigation being led by the Counter Terrorism Command and we would ask anybody who has images or film of the incident to pass those to police.

"We know that there are a number of causalities, including police officers, but at this stage we cannot confirm numbers or the nature of these injuries.

"Our response will be ongoing for some time as it is important that we gather all possible information and evidence.

"Public safety is our top priority and we are reviewing our policing stance across London and throughout the course of this afternoon there will be additional police and officers deployed across the Capital.

"I would like to ask the public to remain vigilant and let us know if they see anything suspicious that causes them concern and dial 999 immediately.

"The Acting Commissioner Craig Mackey is being treated as a significant witness as he was at the scene when the incident started. Whilst he is not injured, it would be inappropriate for him to talk about the incident at this stage. Ours and his thoughts are with all those involved and those responding to both incidents.

"Anyone with information can also call 0800 789 321."