The Metropolitan Police have issued a warning to 'run, tell and hide' as they hunt for terrorists who went on a rampage on the streets of London tonight.

A manhunt has been launched for three men with 12-inch hunting knives who have reportedly stabbed pedestrians after mowing down up to 20 people with a white van on London Bridge - killing six people.

The men, described as being 'of Mediterranean origin', reportedly jumped out of the van and began 'randomly stabbing people' along Borough High Street.

A wounded victim was wheeled out on stretcher in Monument - where 50 police stormed the station with police dogs

The car, believed to be a B&Q vehicle, was reportedly veering in an 'S shape' at 50mph onto the pavement across the bridge and has driven towards the Shard and is south of the river.

Witnesses reported hearing 'rapid gunfire' amid reports that least seven people have been stabbed, leaving bodies 'strewn' on the road in central London. One of the casualties is reportedly a police officer.

In response, The Met have tweeted a warning to Londoners to get to a place of safety.

The graphic read: 'You must:

Run - to a place of safety. This is a better option that to surrender or negotiate. If there's nowhere to go, then ...

Hide - Turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can.

Tell - the police by calling 999 when it is safe to do so

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee

Facebook has activated its safety check for people in London to let loved ones know they are okay.

One woman said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut on London Bridge amid the 'utter chaos'.

Police have responded to reports of stabbings in Borough Market, armed officers responded and shots have been fired, Scotland Yard said.

Police have responded to another incident in Vauxhall in south London, telling people 'you must run, hide and tell', Scotland Yard said.

A man has been arrested, as Sky News reported live from Borough High Street.

There are also unconfirmed reports of gunfire on Southwark Street.

Around 50 armed police have entered Monument station with police dogs and bystanders have been told to run. Bank and Monument tube stations have been closed.

A police officer stands guard on Borough High Street. One witness said she saw three people with what appeared to be their throats cut on London Bridge amid the 'utter chaos'

Police are treating injured people and carrying them away at the end Thrale Street

Three men reportedly mowed pedestrians down on London Bridge. Police are also responding to an incident at Borough Market and there are unconfirmed reports of gunfire on Southwark Street

A manhunt has been launched for three men with 12-inch hunting knives who have reportedly stabbed pedestrians after mowing down up to 20 people with a white van on London Bridge

Police are advising people who live within the London Bridge cordon to stay somewhere else tonight if they can.

Terrifying footage from the scene shows police officers shouting 'Clear the scene now!' as panicked pedestrians flee. London Ambulance said multiple resources were attending the area.

The bridge is in lock down and the area around it is closed with bus routes being diverted, as armed police and a bomb squad attend the scene and boats search the water.

The attacks in the streets of London come just days after armed troops were pulled off the streets of Britain.

Thousands of soldiers were deployed by Theresa May following the bombing at Manchester arena as she raised the UK threat level from 'severe' to 'critical'.

A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is in contact with officials and is being regularly updated on the incident at London Bridge.'