Multiple fatalities in vehicle, stabbing terror attacks in London

As many as seven people are feared dead and at least double that number injured after terrorists drove at pedestrians on London Bridge, then went on a stabbing rampage in the streets nearby.

The city’s Metropolitan Police have confirmed “more than one fatality” and declared the attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market, which are popular tourist, dining and drinking spots, to be “terrorist incidents”. There has since been what are thought to be two controlled explosions conducted by the police near London Bridge.

At 0025hrs 4/6/17 the incidents at #LondonBridge & #BoroughMarket were declared as terrorist incidents.

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

Police have not yet confirmed the number of attackers, but The Sun newspaper reported that five men were thought to be involved, including one who mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge. The van was travelling about about 80 kilometres an hour, witnesses said, as it swerved to and fro and mounted the pavement on the historic bridge in an apparent attempt to hit pedestrians.

It is not clear whether pedestrians may have gone over the side of the bridge in an attempt to avoid the van or after being hit by it, but police were reportedly searching the water of the Thames.

Other men, who were thought to have been in the back of the van, then used long knives to randomly stab passersby in the streets of Borough Market, even reportedly attempting to smash in the doors of one pub in an attempt to get at people inside. According to reports, the men had some kind of metal canisters strapped to their chests.

https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/871169462552100864

The Met has not confirmed the number of fatalities, nor has the BBC reported a number, but other news outlets put the number at seven

Police reportedly shot dead two of the attackers but three are still thought to be on the run, with armed officers swarming the streets. 

As they did so, the Met warned people in the area to run and hide.

#Londonbridge #boroughmarket #vauxhall pic.twitter.com/a7OciBEBjH

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

A man called Ben told the BBC that he witnessed one of the stabbings.

“I saw a man in red with quite a large blade, I don’t know the measurement I guess maybe 10 inches. He was stabbing a man … he stabbed him about three times fairly calmly,” he told the UK’s national broadcaster.

Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that the incidents were being treated as potential acts of terrorism, and said they were subject to a “fast-moving investigation”.

US President Donald Trump tweeted a message of support. 

Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U. K., we will be there – WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

People and businesses in the vicinity quickly offered refuge to those struggling to get home, as nearby transport hubs temporarily closed down.

People of London – if you need shelter and food, @thegladpub is open. #LondonBridge

— Gladstone Arms (@thegladpub) June 3, 2017

If people can't get home, let me know. I have space and will come walk you from London Bridge to my house if you need me to. #LondonBridge

— Nervous Bambino (@GraftedScamp) June 4, 2017

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that although the full details on the incident weren’t yet known, it was “a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night”.

“I condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” Khan said. “There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.”

Khan, a London-born Muslim, has been repeatedly misquoted by supporters of Trump’s Muslim travel ban as having said that terror attacks “are part and parcel of living in a big city” – a misquote based on an incorrect tweet by Trump’s son Donald Trump Jnr.

What Khan said was that preparing for terror attacks was part and parcel of living in a big city.

His full comment was: “Part and parcel of living in a great global city is you’ve got to be prepared for these things, you’ve got to be vigilant, you’ve got to support the police doing an incredibly hard job. We must never accept terrorists being successful, we must never accept that terrorists can destroy our life or destroy the way we lead our lives.”

Trump supporters on Twitter quickly tried to use the attacks in London Bridge and Borough Market to draw attention again to the “quote”, blaming Khan for what they said was lax policing of Muslim extremists.

But Brits were equally quick to rebuff the attempts.

Incredibly unpleasant seeing racist Americans jumping in spreading hate with #LondonBridge. You don't speak for us Londoners. #LondonIsOpen

— Kulbinder Mann 💙 (@KulbinderM) June 3, 2017

This is a breaking news story. Please stay with us for more details.