A brave police officer tried to take on the London Bridge jihadis with just his baton before they stabbed him and he was rushed to hospital.

The unnamed British Transport Police officer was the first on the scene as the carnage unfolded at 10pm last night.

His Chief Constable today praised his 'enormous courage in the face of danger'.

Three Jihadi terrorists have been shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London last night

Forensic officers were seen circling blood splatter and bagging pieces of evidence as they scoured London Bridge today

The rented van used by the attackers pictured at the scene today, where it was abandoned shortly after 10pm last night

Paul Crowther said: 'Having visited the officer in hospital shortly after he was admitted for treatment, I was able to hear his account of what happened last night.

'It became clear that he showed enormous courage in the face of danger, as did many others who were at the scene and rushed to help.

'Although he is seriously unwell, he was able to recount how he faced the attackers armed only with his baton, outside London Bridge station.

'For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud.

'All of us at BTP wish him a swift recovery, and I know he will be touched by the hundreds of messages of support from across the UK and the world.

'Our thoughts are with all of those who died or were injured, and their loved ones as they try to come to terms with what happened.'

A Canadian national is the first person to be confirmed dead in the London Bridge terror attack that also saw an Australian waitress slashed across the throat from behind as she enjoyed a post-work drink.

Paul Crowther (pictured) said: 'For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud'

Twelve people were arrested in connection with the terror attack in a police raid on a flat in Barking, east London, today

Armed officers remained at the scene today as police launched a major investigation into the the third terror attack on British soil in as many months

Candice Hedge is one of 48 people believed to be recovering in hospitals across the capital after one of the terrorists ran up and cut her neck as she sat in a bar.

France's Foreign Minister has confirmed that a French man was killed in the attack. Seven people from France were injured, four critically. One is still missing.

Another victim, New Zealander Oliver Dowling, 32, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face during the attack, which also injured his girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, whose condition is still unknown.

A British Transport Police officer was stabbed in the face, while Scotland Yard has now confirmed an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also among those injured.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau national said one of his citizens was among those killed in the London Bridge terror attack, said.

One Spanish resident is among the injured, the country's foreign minister has confirmed.