Islamic terrorists kill 7 in London carnage, May says Enough is Enough
"As a country, our response must be as it has always been when we have been confronted by violence. We must come together, we must pull together, and united we will take on and defeat our enemies," the British Prime Minister said in a statement.
May said enough is enough and defeating the threat from the Islamist extremism is the biggest challenge.
"First, while the recent attacks are not connected by common networks, they are connected in one important sense. They are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division and promotes sectarianism," she said in a statement following the attacks in which three masked terrorists ploughed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then jumped out and went on a stabbing spree in nearby bars and restaurants.
"It is an ideology that claims our Western values of freedom, democracy and human rights are incompatible with the religion of Islam. It is an ideology that is a perversion of Islam and a perversion of the truth," she said.
In the latest attacks, suspected attackers wore fake explosive vests to scare away police and ran the vehicle into pedestrians. All three suspects were shot dead by police, said officials.
The incidents occurred at London Bridge and Borough Market when in one of the attacks the white van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge at about 10.08 pm, said reports.
The suspects reportedly also stabbed people and a police officer after jumping out of the van.
The British PM said: "Shortly before 10:10 yesterday evening, the Metropolitan Police received reports that a white van had struck pedestrians on London Bridge. It continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market, where 3 terrorists left the van and attacked innocent and unarmed civilians with blades and knives."
"All 3 were wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, but the police have established that this clothing was fake and worn only to spread panic and fear," she said.
"As so often in such serious situations, the police responded with great courage and great speed. Armed officers from the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police arrived at Borough Market within moments, and shot and killed the 3 suspects. The terrorists were confronted and shot by armed officers within 8 minutes of the police receiving the first emergency call,"the PM said.
"Seven people have died as a result of the attack, in addition to the 3 suspects shot dead by the police. Forty-eight people are being treated in several hospitals across London. Many have life-threatening conditions.," she said.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday condemned the terror attack in London which killed at least six people on Saturday night and injured around 48.
President Trump even offered help to the United Kingdom to fight the menace.
In a tweet, Trump said : "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"
"They were stabbing everyone. They were running up and going 'This is for Allah'," a man called Gerard told the BBC.
London's Metropolitan Police confirmed six deaths.
“At this stage, we believe that six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. And at least 20 casualties have been taken to six hospitals across London," Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley told media earlier in the day.
Other world leaders also reacted to attack and offered solidarity with UK.
French President Emmanuel Macron was quoted in media as saying: "France is more than ever at Britain's side."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said "We are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination."
Spanish leader Mariano Rajoy also offered "solidarity and support" to Britain in the wake of the attacks.
Australian leader Malcolm Turbull tweeted: "Prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and wrote on Twitter: “Attacks in London are shocking and anguishing. We condemn them. My thoughts are with families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.”
Meanwhile the injured have been taken to hospital for treatment.
London Ambulance tweeted: "We have taken 48 patients to hospital following the incident at #LondonBridge ."
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley in a press statement after the attack said: "there will be additional police and officers deployed across the Capital" over forthcoming days #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket."
He said, “The investigation is 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 by uploading it at www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk."
“Our thoughts are with all those involved and those responding to both incidents. Those who are concerned about a loved one can contact the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233," Rowly said.
“We are reviewing and planning to strengthen our policing stance across London over the forthcoming days, and 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,” he added.
England witnessed another major terror attack recently on May 22.
The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber Salman Abedi which killed at least 22 people and injured several others.
The incident occurred after conclusion of one of American singer Ariana Grande's pop concert at the Manchester Arena.
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