Radio Brisvaani
Four people have been killed and an attacker shot dead by police in what authorities have described as an “Islamist-related terrorism” incident near Britain’s Houses of Parliament in London.
The attacker’s car first struck pedestrians on Westminster Bridge about 2.30pm local time (1.30am AEST), before crashing into the railings surrounding the heavily guarded Houses of Parliament.
The assailant then ran through the gates brandishing a knife and stabbed a 48-year-old policeman to death before being shot dead by another officer.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told parliament today an Australian permanent resident is among the around 40 people injured in the attack.
The woman, from South Australia, is being treated in hospital and is receiving consular assistance.
The policeman killed in the attack has been identified as PC Keith Palmer, 48, a 15-year veteran of the police force.
PC Palmer was a husband and father, it has been reported.
He served in the Royal Artillery before becoming a policeman, MP James Cleverly said.
“I’ve known Keith for 25 years. We served together in the Royal Artillery before he became a copper,” Mr Cleverly tweeted.
“A lovely man, a friend. I’m heartbroken.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May labelled the actions of the unidentified attacker as “sick and depraved”.
About 40 people have been confirmed injured, with many remaining in a serious condition.
It is believed the attacker acted alone and may have been driving a hire car.
Britain’s top counter-terrorism officer Mark Rowley said the four victims included a policeman guarding parliament and three members of the public.
“This is the day we planned for that we hoped would never happen,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Rowley said.
“Sadly it is now a reality.
“Islamist-related terrorism is our assumption.”
He said investigators believe they know the identity of the assailant and police would be examining the scene of the attack through the night.
Witnesses have reported snipers are on rooftops around the Westminster area as extra armed and unarmed police patrol the streets of London.
A woman was also pulled alive from the River Thames with serious injuries.
“A female member of the public was pulled from the water near Westminster Bridge, alive, with serious injuries,” a Port of London authority spokesman said.
“She’s undergoing very urgent medical treatment now.”
He added that the river had been closed to all non-emergency traffic in the immediate area.
A member of parliament was photographed frantically administering CPR to the stabbed police officer.
Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood, who lost his brother in the Bali bombings, was among those desperately trying to stem the blood flowing from the officer’s wounds.
Witnesses said the former soldier ran towards the scene of the attack without hesitation.
“A female member of the public was pulled from the water near Westminster Bridge, alive, with serious injuries,” a Port of London authority spokesman said.
“She’s undergoing very urgent medical treatment now.”
He added that the river had been closed to all non-emergency traffic in the immediate area.
A member of parliament was photographed frantically administering CPR to the stabbed police officer.
Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood, who lost his brother in the Bali bombings, was among those desperately trying to stem the blood flowing from the officer’s wounds.
Witnesses said the former soldier ran towards the scene of the attack without hesitation.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed 10 people were treated by paramedics on the bridge.
Among those hurt were three French schoolchildren who were struck by the car while on a school excursion.
British police typically do not carry guns, but Acting Deputy Commissioner Rowley confirmed the officer killed did have a firearm.
Commander BJ Harrington, addressing media outside Scotland Yard, said police were investigating varying eyewitness accounts.
“Although we remain open-minded to the motive, a full counter-terrorism (operation) is underway,” Commander Harrington said.
In an address outside 10 Downing Street, Ms May paid tribute to the officers who “ran towards the danger”.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected, to the victims themselves, and to their family and friends, who waved their loved ones off but will not now be welcoming them home,” Ms May said.
“For those of us who were in Parliament at the time of this attack these events provide a particular reminder of the exceptional bravery of our police and security services, who risk their lives to keep us safe.”
Ms May chaired a 45-minute meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee after the attack.
In a Twitter post, US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with the British prime minister.
“Spoke to UK Prime Minister Theresa May today to offer condolences on the terrorist attack in London. She is strong and doing very well.”
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had spoken with her UK counterpart Boris Johnson “and passed on our concerns and condolences.”
Ms Bishop was in a meeting in Washington DC specifically discussing how to prevent ISIS-style attacks.
But it is not yet known the motive of the London attacker and whether he had any connection to Islamic State.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that Londoners would “never be cowed by terrorism”.
“London is the greatest city in the world and we stand together in the face of those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life,” he said.
“We always have, and we always will.”
“This shocking crime, designed to weaken the UK, will only make her stronger,” Bill Shorten tweeted this morning.
“All Australians stand with Britain today.”
Mr Turnbull offered his support to Australia’s “staunch ally”.
“We will never, ever let the terrorists win,” he said.
Metropolitan police deputy commissioner Craig Mackey was at the scene and is being treated as a significant witness, Commander Harrington said.
The public is being told to avoid Parliament Square, Whitehall, Westminster Bridge, Lambeth Bridge, Victoria Street up to the intersection with Broadway, and the Victoria Embankment up to Embankment Station.
A crowd of passers-by was seen running from the direction of Westminster Bridge and around the corner into Parliament Square following the shooting.
TV pictures showed traffic halted on the nearby Westminster Bridge and emergency vehicles swarming around moments after the attack.
The busy bridge remains completely shut off to traffic.
The London Eye was halted as a result of security concerns and passengers were stranded inside.
Alan Parry from Sky Sports News said he heard a huge crash following the incident.
“I was just outside Westminster tube station when I heard an almighty crash and a vehicle that looked like a 4×4 had crashed into railings. There was smoke coming from underneath the bonnet. I saw a pedestrian or a cyclist who had clearly been hit.
“The driver sprinted away from the scene. That was followed by four what sounded very much like gunshots. Then all of a sudden all hell was let loose and police descended everywhere. The whole area was locked down.”
The attack is the deadliest in London since the July 7 bombings in 2005, where 52 people were killed in four suicide bombing attacks on London public transport.
Source: 9 News
