Police Confirm London Bridge And Borough Market Are Terrorist Incidents
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Metropolitan police have confirmed that the incidents which have unfolded on London Bridge and in Borough Market are terrorist related.
At 0025hrs 4/6/17 the incidents at #LondonBridge & #BoroughMarket were declared as terrorist incidents.
- Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017
Police are telling people to stay away from the both areas as the operations are ongoing.
A white van was seen mounting the curb at London Bridge just before 10pm, before the vehicle ploughed into a group of pedestrians. It's understood that there has been at least one fatality.
BBC reporter Holly Jones was on the bridge when the incident unfolded: "He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind."
Our latest statement about #LondonBridge incident. We've sent a number of resources to scene & more info will follow https://t.co/hCiKVCBrnb pic.twitter.com/nCoIPoXCrV
- London Ambulance (@Ldn_Ambulance) June 4, 2017
Another person has told the Telegraph: "We were in London Bridge station. An announcement came on which said that due to an emergency the station was closing and to leave via the nearest exit.
"There was a woman and her husband crying. They said a van had mowed people down on London Bridge and were stabbing and shooting people. They were both very upset."
Alex Shellum was in the Mudlark pub and has told the BBC an injured woman came in shortly after the incident: ""She was bleeding heavily from the neck - it appeared that her throat had been cut. People sought to stem the bleeding and the pub was closed. Outside the pub, emergency services were performing CPR on a further individual. From there, we were instructed to move along by armed police."
Credit: PA
Credit: PA
Armed police are also looking into a stabbing in Borough Market. Metropolitan police have tweeted advice for people in the area to 'run, hide and tell'.
Ben has told the BBC: "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.
"It looked the man had maybe been trying to intervene but there wasn't much that he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground."
Officers have then responded to reports of stabbings in #BoroughMarket. Armed officers responded and shots have been fired. 2/3
- Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017
That account has been backed up by a security guard who says that everyone 'started running and screaming' after it happened.
Many bars in the area were sent into lockdown and people were told to find safety.
#BREAKING Armed police are at #BoroughMarket. Major incidents declared in #London.. Three armed men being sought. pic.twitter.com/4fyn4R8V5K
- Raveen Aujmaya (@raveenaujmaya) June 3, 2017
British Prime Minister Theresa May has issued a statement saying: "This is a fast moving investigation. I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who were on the scene. Our thoughts are with those caught up in these dreadful events." She is on her way to Downing Street where she will be briefed by authorities on the situation.
Armed police were also responding to a third incident in Vauxhall, but that has now been declared as unrelated to the other two operations.
Politicians have tweeted messages of support for the people of London.
Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.
- Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 3, 2017
Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected.
- Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 3, 2017
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 on social media are providing somewhere to stay in the wake of the two incidents.
More to come.
Featured Image Credit: PA
