Boris Johnson has condemned the early release of criminals after it emerged that the man who carried out the latest London Bridge terror attack was a convicted Islamist who had been freed from prison on an electronic tag.

Two people were murdered and at least three more seriously injured when the suspected jihadist, wearing a fake suicide vest, went on a rampage at a criminal justice seminar he was attending.

Police named the man as Usman Khan, a 28-year-old from Staffordshire. Neil Basu, the Metropolitan Police's assistant commissioner, said his team were carrying out searches at the suspect's residence but believe that he was acting alone.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the extraordinary bravery of members of the public and the emergency services who helped tackle the maniac, describing them as “the very best of our country”.

But he also said he had "long argued" it was a "mistake to allow serious and violent criminals to come out of prison early”.

He added: “It is very important that we get out of that habit and that we enforce the appropriate sentences for dangerous criminals, especially for terrorists, that I think the public will want to see."

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Temporarily suspending his election campaign, Mr Johnson said Britain would never be “cowed, divided or intimidated” by those who brought terror to the streets and he vowed to hunt down and bring to justice anyone else involved.

The incident began just before 2pm on Friday when the attacker, who had been attending the Learning Together criminal justice conference at Fishmongers’ Hall on London Bridge, began stabbing fellow delegates with two large knives.

It is understood the former prisoner, who was still on licence and whose movements and travel were restricted, had been given permission to attend the event along with other convicted criminals.

The killer is thought to have attended the morning session, taking part in various workshops in which he described his experiences as a prisoner, before launching his deadly attack without warning.

On Friday night it was feared the victims were students and academics who had been at the event.

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Despite the fact he was wearing a fake suicide belt and threatening to blow himself up, the attacker was bravely challenged, including by at least one former prisoner who was also attending the event.

After running out of Fishmongers’ Hall onto London Bridge, the attacker was dragged to the ground, with passersby also joining in to restrain him and prevent more carnage.

Just five minutes after the alarm was first raised, armed officers from City of London Police arrived on the scene and, after pulling members of the public off the man, shot him dead.

Coming just days before the country goes to the polls, Friday's attack bore chilling similarities to the outrage at Borough Market on June 3, 2017 five days before that year’s general election.

Then, eight people were murdered by an Isil-inspired cell of three attackers in fake suicide vests who drove across London Bridge, ploughing into pedestrians and stabbing people before being shot dead by police.

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The murder of Labour MP Jo Cox took place in the run-up to the 2016 EU referendum vote.

On Friday night security sources confirmed that the attacker - who is not thought to be from London - was known to the security services and had terrorist connections as well as a conviction.

An urgent review has been ordered into why he had been released early under licence.

Sources also said there were a number of raids taking place overnight, with the security services and counter terrorism police desperate to establish who the attacker had been associating with.

Conservative and Labour suspended campaigning last night as a mark of respect to the victims but said they would review the matter over the weekend.

Mr Johnson cancelled Saturday's appointments to focus on the response.

Paying tribute to those who had bravely intervened, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “What’s remarkable is the breathtaking heroism of members of the public who literally ran towards danger not knowing what confronted them.”

Dame Cressida Dick, the Met commissioner, said that police had first been called at 1.58pm and officers from City of London Police had tackled the attacker by 2.03pm, just five minutes later.

Dame Cressida said: "The empty ideology of terror offers nothing but hatred and today I urge everyone to reject that."

02:41AM Judge warned about Khan's release

When Khan was sentenced in 2012, Mr Justice Wilkie said he was a "serious jihadist" who should not be released while he remained a threat to the public.

The judge said Khan's group were involved in a "serious, long-term venture in terrorism" that could have resulted in atrocities in Britain. Wilkie said: "In my judgment, these offenders would remain, even after a lengthy term of imprisonment, of such a significant risk that the public could not be adequately protected by their being managed on licence in the community, subject to conditions, by reference to a preordained release date."

Khan in 2012, when he was convicted for a terror offence

Khan, along with two co-conspirators, originally received an indeterminate sentence for public protection but this was quashed at the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he was given a 16-year jail term. In February 2012, Khan was ordered to serve at least eight years in prison.

Profile: Judge warned about killer's release

01:21AM Khan was part of Stock Exchange plot

Usman Khan was convicted in 2012 for his role in the Stock Exchange plot, a Christmas bomb attack on the London Stock Exchange, the American embassy and the home of Boris Johnson, who was then the London mayor.

As reported by The Telegraph, when police searched Khan's home in Stoke, they recovered a folded A4 sheet of paper which bore notes of the structure, roles and responsibilities of individuals in a terrorist cell.

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It included the headings ‘structure’, ‘responsibilities’, ‘communication’ and ‘local’ and appeared to be written by a co-conspirator.

Khan pleaded guilty to preparing acts of terrorism.

01:03AM Cambridge 'mourns the dead'

Professor Stephen Toope, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said he was "devastated" that an event organised by its Institute of Criminology was targeted in the attack.

He said: "I am devastated to learn that today's hateful attack on London Bridge may have been targeted at staff, students and alumni attending an event organised by the University of Cambridge's Institute of Criminology.

"We are in touch with the Metropolitan Police, and awaiting further details of the victims.

"We mourn the dead and we hope for a speedy recovery for the injured. Our thoughts are with all their families and friends."

01:02AM Attack started at Learning Together event

The police said in a statement that "the attacker attended an event earlier on Friday afternoon at Fishmongers' Hall called 'Learning Together'."

"We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers.

"Extensive cordons are likely to remain in place for some time and I would ask the public to continue to avoid the area.

12:53AM Man and woman killed

The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that a man and a woman were killed in the attack while three others, one man and two women, remain in hospital.

12:50AM Killer was known to police: Met's full statement

Usman Khan was convicted in 2012 for terrorism offences and released from prison in December 2018 on licence, Neil Basu, the Metropolitan Police's assistant commissioner said.

In a statement, Basu said police were searching Khan’s Staffordshire home and that they believe he was acting alone.

"Whilst we are still in the early stages of the investigation, at this time we are not actively seeking anyone else in relation to the attack.

"However, we continue to make fast time enquiries to ensure that no other people were involved in this attack and that there is no outstanding threat to the public.

"Police were called at 13:58hrs to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge, EC1. Emergency services attended, including officers from the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police.

"A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers and I can confirm that he died at the scene.

"We are now in a position to confirm the identity of the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan who had been residing in the Staffordshire area. As a result, officers are, tonight, carrying out searches at an address in Staffordshire."

"This individual was known to authorities, having been convicted in 2012 for terrorism offences. He was released from prison in December 2018 on licence and clearly, a key line of enquiry now is to establish how he came to carry out this attack."

12:45AM Attacker identified

Police have identified the suspect of the London Bridge attack as Usman Khan, a 28-year-old man from Staffordshire.

12:37AM Bystander confronted attacker with 5ft narwhal tusk

One of the bystanders took on the attacker with a 5ft narwhal tusk he had taken off the wall in Fishmongers' Hall. Amy Coop, who was in the building when the attack occurred, tweeted:

12:32AM 'Luckasz was stabbed . . . but it didn’t stop him giving attacker a beating'

Jordan, who works at the hall as a chef and witnessed the attack, said the suspect had “gained access and attacked a few workers with a knife.”

“A good lifelong friend Luckasz was stabbed,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Luckasz took on the attacker, being stabbed didn’t stop him giving him a beating from what I’m told. He’s in a stable condition after being stabbed in his hand.”

Many people were stabbed as they valiantly attempted to fight him off. Two lost their lives.

An eyewitness identified only as Coralie, who was working at the event, saw two or three people stabbed, some of whom were bleeding profusely, she said. One of her colleagues was stabbed three times.

Reconstruction: how the attack unfolded

10:21PM Witness claims he was told men who apprehended attacker were in prison with terrorist

A maintenance worker who witnessed the London Bridge knife attack claims he was told the assailant had been in prison for terrorism offences.

Jamie Bakhit, a 24-year-old from Purley, Croydon, said he spoke to one of the men who helped wrestle the knifeman to the ground after they were taken to the Salvation Army headquarters to be interviewed by police.

He told the PA news agency: "The guy who was on top of him said he [the attacker] had been in prison for terrorism, apparently.

"Some of the guys who were on top of him were ex-prisoners and they had all been in the Fishmongers' Hall.

"The guy told me he was in prison with the attacker."

09:59PM Boris Johnson: 'very important we continue to get on with the democratic process'

The PM also said it was important the election campaign continued.

"I think it's very important that in a democracy we continue to get on with the democratic process and I think it's vital that we show respect to the victims, to their families and certainly we've acknowledged that and campaigning has been suspended and the opposition parties have also suspended campaigning in London.

"But I think it's very important in a democracy that we are not bowed and we are not intimidated by terrorism and that we get on with the normal democratic processes and that's what we'll be doing."

09:58PM Boris Johnson: 'It is a mistake to allow serious and violent criminals to come out of prison early'

Speaking in Downing Street ahead of the Cobra meeting, the prime minister declined to say whether the individual was known to the security services or the police before the incident took place.

"There will be now for reassurance purposes an enhanced police presence on the streets and we're not only as you know putting 20,000 more police officers on the streets of this country but I have long argued that it is a mistake to allow serious and violent criminals to come out of prison early.

"It is very important that we get out of that habit and that we enforce the appropriate sentences for dangerous criminals, especially for terrorists, that I think the public will want to see".

09:19PM One of three taken to hospital in 'critical' condition

NHS England confirmed one of the three people taken to hospital remains in critical condition but is stable.

Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, said: "Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who responded to this incident, both the extraordinarily brave members of the public and our emergency responders.

"As the Met Police have confirmed, sadly two people have died in addition to the suspect. London Ambulance Service treated people at the scene and three were taken to hospital.

"We can confirm that one patient is critical but stable, a second person is in a stable condition and a third person has less serious injuries.

"Our deep sympathies are with the families and all those affected by today's incident."

09:13PM Rugby player wrestled with attacker and stamped on his wrist to free knife

Thomas Gray, 24, wrestled the attacker to the floor before stamping on his wrist to release the knife from his hand, Izzy Lyons reports.

Mr Gray, who was driving his classic mini over London Bridge at the time is the attack, said the perpetrator had an eight inch knife in each hand.

"One thought was going through my mind - stop the dude. I’ve played rugby for most my life and the rule on and off the pitch is ‘one in, all in’.

“I was just a Londoner doing my bit.

Thomas Gray

"Hats off to the six or seven guys who were there before me, they're so brave. They were chasing him down the street with a silver fire extinguisher and that's what drew my attention to him. He was being sprayed with foam. We could see it was something serious and we should try to fix it."

Mr Gray also caught up with our reporter Phoebe Southworth, who told her that after the attack, he said he "did the British thing and went to the pub" with his friend Stevie.

"We had a pint and shook it off then came back and let the police know I was here with the keys for the cars in case they wanted me to move one of them."

08:39PM Cressida Dick's statement, in full

Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said: "I am deeply saddened and angered that our city has again been targeted by terrorism. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must now inform you that, as well as the suspect who was shot dead by police, two of those injured in this attack in the London Bridge area have tragically lost their lives.

"My heart goes out to their loved ones and to the three further injured victims who I understand are being treated in hospital, and of course to everybody who has been affected by today’s terrible and mindless events.

"The attack started at Fishmonger’s Hall in the City of London. My understanding is that police were called at 1:58pm and City of London police officers had bravely and professionally confronted the suspect by 2.03pm, just five minutes later.

"If you are concerned about anyone who was there today please try to contact them and if you cannot, then get in touch with us.

"I want to thank all the emergency service personnel who are currently working tirelessly to deal with this incident, particularly the police officers from the Met and the City who have worked so closely together to protect the public.

"I also want to thank the members of the public who have helped, either by showing extraordinary courage by stepping in or by following the instructions they’ve been given by officers at the scene and in the area. This support from our public assists us more than you could know.

"In the coming days you will see more police, both armed and unarmed, patrolling our streets to help reassure those who are understandably concerned. Similarly our Counter Terrorism detectives will be working round the clock to identify those who have lost their lives, to support all the victims and their families. We are also working at full-tilt to understand exactly what has happened and whether anyone else was involved. For this reason we expect cordons to remain in place around the London Bridge area for some time.

"This afternoon I met with the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, and also had a meeting with the Mayor; I’m very grateful for all their support. Indeed, we have been working closely with the Government at every level, and just as closely with our partners across London. This will obviously continue in the coming days.

"This joint effort mustn’t stop with the authorities though. As you know we are treating this as a terrorist incident. Fighting terrorism takes effort and determination from all of us. If you have any information or concerns, please do contact us.

"The empty ideology of terror offers nothing but hatred and today I urge everyone to reject that. Ours is a great city because we embrace each other’s differences. We must emerge stronger still from this tragedy. In doing that we will ensure that the few who seek to divide us will never, ever succeed."

08:33PM 'I kicked terrorist in the head,' hero bystander says

Tour guide Stevie ran towards the London Bridge attacker to kick him in the head amid the turmoil of the terror attack, reports Craig Simpson.

The Londoner was driving a car for a tour of the capital when he stopped the engine on the river crossing and started his advance towards the suspect.

Dressed in a large green coat and peaked cap he moved towards the huddle of men grappling with the downed attacker, and he and his colleague began kicking him to force his weapon free.

After he and his comrades beat and subdued the suspect, they caught sight of a what they feared was an explosive vest.

Read the full account here.

08:20PM Not known if there is an accomplice, police say

Cressida Dick, talking outside New Scotland Yard on Friday night, said that more armed police will patrol the streets of London in the coming days to reassure residents in the capital.

She also did not rule out the possibility that there may be an accomplice still at large.

She said: "We're working at full tilt to understand what has happened and whether anyone else was involved."

For that reason, Commissioner Dick said cordons will remain in place "for some time".

Asked whether the suspect was known to police, Ms Dick said: "This is a very fast moving, dynamic investigation, we will keep you updated."

08:16PM Two dead, confirms Cressida Dick

In a press conference outside Scotland Yard, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said two victims had died of their injuries and three others are being treated in hospital.

The Met Police's top officer said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I inform you that as well as suspect shot dead by police, two of those injured have tragically lost their lives."

She added: "I also want to thank the members of the public who have helped, either by showing extraordinary courage by stepping in to tackle this attacker or by following the instructions they have subsequently been given by officers at the scene and in the area."

The commissioner refused to comment on the identities of the two fatalities, and the condition of other injured parties.

She asked for anyone with video footage to come forward.

She said: "We will be working as fast as we can to understand who this man is, where he comes from and whether there is anyone else who we need to find quickly who might be in touch with him."

08:00PM Boris Johnson 'calls off' campaigning for Saturday

Boris Johnson has cancelled his General Election campaigning events on Saturday and will instead focus on overseeing the response to the London Bridge attack, PA news agency reports.

07:59PM London Ambulance Service confirm they took three people to hospital

Khadir Meer, chief operating officer of London Ambulance Service, said: "We can confirm we took three people to two London hospitals following the incident at London Bridge today.

"We were called at 2:02pm and sent a number of ambulance crews and specialist response teams to the scene, including our hazardous area response unit and our tactical response unit.

"The first of our medics arrived at the scene within seven minutes. An advanced trauma team from London's Air Ambulance was also dispatched by road.

"We declared a major incident and worked closely with other members of the emergency services at the scene.

"I would like to thank all our staff and the other emergency services who responded to this incident, including our medics at the scene, everyone in our control rooms and all those working hard behind the scenes.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by what happened today."

07:50PM Cobra meeting tonight at 9.30pm

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the Government's emergency committee Cobra at 9.30pm, a Downing Street spokesman said.

07:12PM Large police cordons remain in place

The cordon is in place around the north side of London Bridge following the knife attack.

Pedestrian and vehicle access along Upper Thames Street, which runs underneath part of the bridge, is blocked by police at its junction with Swan Lane through to Lower Thames Street at its junction with Fish Hill Street.

The pedestrian cordon extends north-east to Fenchurch Street, at its junction with Philpot Lane, and north to Gracechurch Street, at its junction with Bell Inn Yard.

On the northwest side on the bridge, the pedestrian cordon extends to Cannon Street at its junction with Bush Lane. Monument Station, which is within the cordon, remains closed.

06:53PM 'We must remain united,' says Jeremy Corbyn

Having tweeted earlier, the Labour leader issued a lengthier statement on Friday night.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his party will suspending campaigning in London on Friday evening as a "mark of respect for those who suffered in this attack".

He said: "My heart goes out to the victims of this appalling attack.

"We owe a deep debt of gratitude to our police and emergency services, and the brave members of the public who put themselves in harm's way to protect others.

"We must remain united across all our communities, and we cannot let our democratic process be derailed by acts of terror.

"We are suspending campaigning in London tonight as a mark of respect for those who suffered in this attack. We will not be cowed by those who threaten us. We must and we will stand together to reject hatred and division."

06:51PM Pictured: The suspect's hoax suicide vest

This picture shows the crude hoax suicide vest worn by the London Bridge terrorist.

This picture shows the crude hoax suicide vest worn by the London Bridge terrorist

It shows the man lying on the pavement, with what appears to be thick, silver adhesive tape wrapped around his waist.

The two bands of tape appear to be holding in false explosives.

06:44PM Trains start running again at London Bridge station

Commuters looking to get home after a week's work were given the go ahead just after 6.30pm after London Bridge station was reopened.

Network Rail said in a statement: "London Bridge station has now reopened following an earlier police incident near the station.

"Trains may continue to be delayed, cancelled or revised whilst the train service is reinstated."

06:41PM London Bridge residents told to 'make alternative plans' as they won't be allowed home

Residents of the London Bridge area, including those in Kings College student accommodation are being told to "prepare for the worst" by police.

Students Shohom and Ella, both 21, said they did not know when they would be allowed to be return.

"We've been hearing from a lot of people on our WhatsApp group that we might have to stay out and that we won't be able to return to our residence tonight," said Shohom.

London Bridge residents told to 'make alternative plans' as they won't be allowed home credit: AFP

"The company that provides the accommodation is looking for alternative plans for the night. It's a bit of an inconvenience."

"But better safe than sorry," added Ella.

06:33PM London Fire Brigade sent 30 firefighters to the terror attack

Deputy Commissioner and Director of Operations Assistant Commissioner for London Fire Brigade Andy Roe said: "Our thoughts today are with all of those affected by the terrorist incident at London Bridge.

"London Fire Brigade officers were deployed to assist police and other emergency service colleagues at London Bridge.

"We train alongside our emergency service partners to be ready for this kind of emergency and will continue to remain alert and prepared to respond."

London Fire Brigade sent 30 firefighters to the terror attack credit: AFP

At the height of the incident, and in addition to the specially trained officers attending, six fire engines, a command unit and 30 firefighters were positioned at the scene to assist.

The investigation is being led by the Counter Terrorism Command.

06:28PM Two members of the public dead

The Telegraph understands two members of the public have died in the London Bridge terror attack.

06:04PM IOPC launch investigation into shooting of London Bridge attacker

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it has launched an investigation into the police shooting of the London Bridge attacker.

The watchdog said: "The Independent Office for Police Conduct has begun an independent investigation following an incident on London Bridge earlier today involving officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and City of London.

"At this early stage it is believed a man has been fatally shot during the police response to an incident in which a number of people were stabbed.

Police surround the attacker credit: PA

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of those affected by this terrible incident.

"IOPC investigators are on the way to the scene, and the post incident procedures where the key police witnesses will provide their initial accounts.

"It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot somebody.

"We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct enquiries as part of their related investigations."

06:03PM Cambridge students feared to be caught up in attack

It is understood the attacker's stabbing spree focused on an event at Fishmonger's Hall, which was being hosted by the University of Cambridge.

A spokesman from the University of Cambridge said: "We are gravely concerned at reports that University of Cambridge staff, students and alumni were caught up in the incident at London Bridge.

"We are urgently seeking clarification and further details. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by these terrible events."

06:00PM Powerful message from TfL

05:47PM Campaigning for the election could be halted, Johnson hints

The Prime Minister said he would review his position on campaigning "in the next few hours" having suspended his canvassing for the evening.

05:46PM Incident has been contained, Prime Minister says

Mr Johnson said there would be meetings and consultations inside Number 10 as the evening goes on, but that "to the best of our knowledge the incident has been contained".

He said he would be "reviewing the matter in the course of the next few hours" as to whether General Election campaigning would continue as normal.

05:45PM 'Anybody involved will be hunted down', Boris Johnson says

The Prime Minister said if anybody involved in the terror attack was still at large, they would be "hunted down and brought to justice.

Mr Johnson, speaking in Downing Street, said the UK would "never be cowed or divided or intimidated by this sort of attack and our British values will prevail".

Speaking inside 10 Downing Street following a meeting with Cressida Dick and Neil Basu, Mr Johnson said: "I've just been briefed by the commissioner and the assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police about the events at London Bridge this afternoon.

"And while this is an ongoing investigation, the police can confirm that this is a terrorist incident and clearly my thoughts are first with the emergency services - the police and the bravery that they showed going towards danger as they do.

"I also want to pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of those members of the public who physically intervened to protect the lives of others and for me they represent the very best of our country and I thank them on behalf of all of our country."

05:31PM London Bridge deserted as police comb the crime scene

Empty buses are pictured at London Bridge credit: Reuters

Blue lights flash from an emergency vehicle on London Bridge credit: Peter Nicholls/Reuters

Forensics officers are seen near the site of an incident at London Bridge credit: Peter Nicholls/Reuters

05:21PM Bystanders flee as London Bridge is locked down

Our reporter Phoebe Southworth is down at the scene and has this take from London Bridge.

Julia Fasone, a 27-year-old from Italy who was serving food in Borough Market, tearfully said: "We were all so scared and ran into a shop and locked ourselves in the toilet." Josh Coch, 22, who works at Binary Botanical in Borough Market, said: "I heard there were men with knives on the loose and everyone just started panicking and running away. "Everyone in Pret a Manger was beckoning to us to get inside and get off the street so we all ran in. The owner apparently called the police."

05:13PM Police patrols will increase across capital in wake of terror incident

Extra police officers will be on patrol across London in the wake of the attack.

Assistant Metropolitan Police Commissioner Neil Basu said the force will be enhancing police patrols both in the City and across London.

And British Transport Police said there would be more officers on the transport network including firearms officers and other specialist teams.

05:12PM Chancellor of the Exchequer responds to attack

Sajid Javid has posted a message of support to the victims, their families and the emergency services.

He said: "Thank you to the brave members of the public and emergency services who responded to the London Bridge attack.

"My thoughts with victims, their families and friends."

04:56PM Neil Basu's statement, in full

"I can confirm that at approximately 2pm today, Friday, 29 November, police were called to a stabbing at a premises near to London Bridge, EC1. "Emergency services attended, including officers from the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police. "A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London Police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene. "A number of other people received injuries during the incident and as soon as we can provide further updates on their condition, we will. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those anxiously awaiting news from loved ones. "As you would expect, due to the nature of the incident, we responded as though it was terrorist-related. I am now in a position to confirm that it has been declared a terrorist incident. We are working jointly with the City of London Police as we continue to respond. "Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are now leading this investigation. I must stress, however, that we retain an open mind as to any motive. It would not be appropriate to speculate further at this time. "Due to reports that the suspect may have had an explosive device, specialist officers also attended the scene and wide cordons are in place to ensure there remains no further danger to the public. "However, I can confirm that at this time, we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device. Officers continue to carry out meticulous searches in the area to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public. "Those extensive cordons will remain in place for a considerable time and I would ask the public please continue to avoid the area. "Public safety is obviously our top priority and we will be enhancing police patrols in the City and across London. "I would ask anyone with information, image or footage of the incident that this be shared with our investigation team to do so on the UK Police Image appeal website. I would also ask the public to continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns they have to police."

04:54PM Cabinet minister: 'Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families'

Robert Jenrick, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Newark and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government took to Twitter to respond to the attack.

He praised the bravery of emergency services.

04:52PM Map of the knife attack in Central London

View more!

04:49PM Some victims injured 'seriously',

The London Mayor has confirmed that some of those stabbed have been "seriously injured" in the London Bridge terror attack.

He applauded the "breathtaking heroism" of bystanders "who literally ran towards danger" not knowing what it was they were faced with.

In a statement outside Scotland Yard, Sadiq Khan thanked members of the public who risked "their own safety this afternoon".

"I want to thank our brave emergency services who responded to today's horrific attack," the mayor told a press conference at Scotland Yard.

"Every day, they put their lives on the line for us, running towards danger in order to keep us safe.

"I'd also like to thank members of the public who risked their own safety this afternoon. They are the best of us."

Mr Khan asked all Londoners to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.

04:46PM President Donald Trump briefed on terror attack

The White House said in a statement: "The United States strongly condemns all horrific acts of violence on innocent people, and we pledge our full support to our ally, the United Kingdom."

04:42PM Boris Johnson thanks emergency services for response to 'appalling' attack

The Prime Minister, having been briefed by counter terror police, thanked police and paramedics for their work.

04:41PM Paramedics arrived 'within seven minutes'

Here's the latest from the London Ambulance Service.

04:25PM Suspect had 'hoax' device on his chest

Scotland Yard said they believed that the suspect had a device strapped to his chest.

Mr Basu said that specialist officers had been deployed after reports that the suspect had an explosive vest, but the device was believed to be a "hoax".

He added: "Due to reports that the suspect might have had an explosive device specialist officers attended the scene.

"However, I can confirm at this time we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device."

04:24PM London Bridge incident declared a terror attack

Met Police confirm counter-terror police have taken over investigation as it was declared a terrorist incident.

Watch Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu's statement here:

Mr Basu said the attack had been declared a terrorist incident but the force was retaining an open mind to the motive.

He added: "Due to the nature of the incident we responded as though this was terrorist-related.

"I am now in a position to declare it is a terrorist incident.

"Officers from the Met counter terrorism command are now leading this investigation."

04:24PM Suspect shot dead at the scene, police say

Neil Basu, the head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said: "At approximately 2pm today, police were called to a stabbing at a premises near London Bridge.

"Emergency services attended including officers from the City of London Police and Metropolitan Police.

"A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene."

04:18PM Previous terror attacks in the UK

Here is a list of terror attacks in the UK, dating back to the 7/7 bombings in London.

View more!

It is important to stress at this stage it is not clear whether or not today's incident is terror-related, only that as a precaution police are treating it as though it is such.

04:15PM Incident happened when terror threat lowered to 'substantial'

The London Bridge incident occurred when Britain's terror threat level was at "substantial".

View more!

It had been lowered earlier this year from "severe" following a spate of attacks in London.

04:11PM Latest from Scotland Yard as of 4pm

Police were called at 1.58pm on Friday, Nov 29, to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge, EC1.

Emergency services attended, including officers from the Met and City of London Police.

A number of people have been stabbed. We will provide further details of those injured when possible.

A man has been shot by police at the location.

At this early stage, the circumstances relating to the incident remain unclear. However, as a precaution, we are currently responding to this incident as though it is terrorist-related.

04:10PM The latest pictures from London Bridge

Police officers are seen near the site of an incident at London Bridge in London credit: Reuters

Traffic is stopped and members of the public are held behind a police cordon credit: Getty

City workers make their away from the danger credit: Jeff Gilbert

04:03PM Bus passengers fled at sight of attacker, witness says

Our Senior Reporter Patrick Sawer is down at London Bridge.

Here is his take from the scene:

Kevin O’Rourke, a security guard at Namora International bank, overlooking London Bridge, told how bus passengers fled the bridge at the sight of a rampaging attacker apparently carrying a machete. Mr O’Rourke said: “One of our clients said he saw a man with a big machete knife. Everybody was running away. It was absolutely terrifying for them.” The security guard added that there had been unconfirmed reports one man was seen with what appeared to be a device strapped to his chest. “Apparently there was a fight on the bridge with two people stabbed. Then at one point I heard about 10 or 12 gunshots, pop, pop, pop. “We presumed the gunfire was from armed police because I’ve been told a body was seen lying on the bridge,” he said. “All the buses were stopped and evacuated.” As Mr O’Rourke spoke dozens of frightened and bewildered office workers were seen being escorted away from the scene by police. Tapes strung across all the roads leading to London Bridge prevented anywhere going near the scene, where empty buses stood where they had been hurriedly evacuated.

04:00PM Sadiq Khan: 'We must be resolute against terror'

The Mayor of London has tweeted a lengthy statement in response to the London Bridge attack.

03:58PM 'A number of people have been stabbed,' police say

Scotland Yard's latest statement:

A number of people have been stabbed. We will provide further information when possible.

03:56PM Westminster terror attack hero Tobias Ellwood says incident is 'stark reminder' of threats we face

Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood, who helped tackle a terror attack outside Parliament in 2017, tweeted that today's incident was a "stark reminder of the dangerous and diverse threats we continue to face".

The Conservative candidate also praised the "incredible bravery and professionalism of our emergency services in so swiftly closing this incident down".

03:49PM Jeremy Corbyn thanks emergency services dealing with 'shocking' incident

The Labour leader has tweeted his reaction to the London Bridge incident.

He described it as "shocking".

03:40PM Prime Minister returning to London from his home constituency

Boris Johnson is returning from his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency to Downing Street where he will get further information on the London Bridge incident.

"PM on his way back to No 10 from his constituency where he will receive further updates on the London Bridge incident," the Prime Minister's official spokesman messaged.

03:39PM Home Secretary 'very concerned'

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she is "very concerned" after learning of the incident in London.

Earlier this year, the terror threat level was downgraded from severe to substantial.

03:24PM Police treating incident 'as though it is terror-related'

Scotland Yard said: "At this stage, the circumstances relating to the incident at London Bridge remain unclear.

"However, as a precaution, we are currently responding to this incident as though it is terror-related. One man has been shot by police. We will provide further information when possible."

03:20PM London Bridge incident, in pictures

A lorry seen across the central reservation at London Bridge

Police at the scene of an incident on London Bridge in central London credit: PA

Police approach a vehicle on London Bridge credit: Shash/Twitter

03:12PM Boris Johnson 'being kept updated' on London Bridge incident

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I'm being kept updated on the incident at London Bridge and want to thank the police and all emergency services for their immediate response."

03:12PM Traffic update: London Bridge remains closed

Transport for London (TfL) has urged Londoners to use alternative routes as it said London Bridge remained closed.

03:01PM Helicopter hovers above London Bridge

This footage shot from a building overlooking London Bridge shows a helicopter hovering above the River Thames.

Down on street level, the chaos is clear.

Traffic is seen at a standstill.

02:59PM Police yelling 'get inside' on London Bridge

As sirens and alarms blare out, officers can be seen sprinting outside London Bridge Tube station.

They can be heard yelling "get inside".

02:58PM Video from Borough Market

02:54PM London Ambulance declare major incident

London Ambulance Service said it had declared a major incident.

A statement on Twitter said: "We have now declared a major incident and have a number of crews at the scene in London Bridge. We will share more information as soon as we have it."

02:50PM Picture shows armed police advancing on London Bridge

A still from a video posted online shows armed police advancing on London Bridge.

Picture shows armed police advancing on London Bridge

The video was shot from inside a bus.

02:47PM Man detained after 'a number of people injured' in stabbing

Here's the official line from Scotland Yard:

Police were called at 1:58pm to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge. Emergency services attended, including officers from the Met and @CoLP A man has been detained by police. We believe a number of people have been injured. Further info to follow.

02:45PM What we know so far

Police dealing with an incident on London Bridge London Bridge station evacuated London Ambulance Service in attendance Eyewitnesses have reported gunshots

02:44PM Journalist's account of London Bridge incident

BBC correspondent John McManus told BBC News that he had heard several gun shots on London Bridge.

"Just a few minutes ago I was walking across London Bridge on the south bank to the north bank of the bridge," he said.

"There appeared to be a fight going on on the other side of the bridge, with several men attacking one man."

"Police then quickly arrived, including armed police, and then a number of shots were fired at this man," Mr McManus told BBC News.

"Police have now cleared the bridge, everybody has been told to move back and now on the northern side of the bridge, but there are more shots going on.

"I can't see what's happening now because we've been moved out of the way but there are shots going on, and you probably hear the police sounds as well.

"Everybody has cleared the area, the entire bridge has been moved, and right on the northern part of the bridge, right up until quite near the Bank of England, is being cleared."