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The chief of the US Embassy in London launched a thinly veiled attack on Donald Trump as he praised London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s leadership following the terror atrocity in London Bridge.

Lewis Lukens, the acting US ambassador, tweeted his condolences after three terrorists slaughtered seven people and injured dozens more in an attack on Saturday night.

But in an apparent snub to US president Donald Trump, who earlier slammed Mr Khan for his response to the killings, the top diplomat also singled out the mayor for praise.

He said: “It is with a heavy heart I offer my condolences and support to the people of the United Kingdom. America grieves with you.

“The response from emergency services, law enforcement & officials in Ldn–as well as ordinary Londoners–has been extraordinary.

Retweeting an emotional message from Mr Khan, he added: “I commend the strong leadership of the @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack.”

Earlier the Mayor condemned the “deliberate and cowardly” attack and said: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days.

"There's no reason to be alarmed."

But Mr Trump appeared to take the comments out of context when he tweeted to his 31.5 million followers: “At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be alarmed!’”

The tweet was widely criticised, with even Mr Khan's political rivals siding with the mayor over the US president.

Mr Lukens is the chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy while there is a vacancy in the role of ambassador.