Five people died and dozens were injured in an attack near the Houses of Parliament in London on Wednesday, police said, including a police officer and his alleged assailant.

The suspect drove a car into a crowd of pedestrians on a bridge Wednesday afternoon, officials said, injuring at least 40 people and killing two. One of those injured later died in the hospital.

Britain's top counterterrorism law enforcement official, Mark Rowley, said the driver then tried to enter the parliament complex and stabbed a police officer to death.

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The assailant was shot and killed by police.





A session of the British House of Commons was suspended after reports of gunfire and journalists at the Parliament were advised to stay in their offices.

Police in London indicated they are treating the incident as terrorism. Police officials said they believe they have identified the suspect, but did not give his name.

Metropolitan Police commander BJ Harrington said during a news conference that "a full counterterrorism investigation" is underway.

Prime Minister Theresa May called the attack "sick and depraved" and said details were still emerging. President Trump spoke with May on the phone Wednesday afternoon and offered his condolences.

"Our hearts go out to those affected. We stand ready to assist in any way the UK authorities would find helpful," State Department acting spokesman Mark Toner said.

--Jordan Fabian contributed to this breaking news report, which was last updated at 7:17 p.m.