Theresa May has responded to Wednesday’s “sick and depraved terrorist attack” in London.

In an address outside No 10, Ms May praised police and emergency responders who ran towards the danger “even as they encouraged others to move the other way”.

She said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected. To the victims themselves, and their family and friends who waved their loved ones off, but will not now be welcoming them home.

“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.

“Once again today, these exceptional men and women ran towards the danger, even as they encouraged others to move the other way.

“On behalf of the whole country I want to pay tribute to them and to all our emergency services for the work they have been doing to reassure the public.

“The location of this attack was no accident. The terrorist chose to strike at the heart of our capital city, where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.

“The values our Parliament represents – democracy, freedom, human rights, the rule of law – command the admiration and respect of free people everywhere.