London Bridge terror attack as it happened: 7 dead and 48 injured

The Met Police has urged people to continue to avoid Borough High St & Market, Montague Cl & Stoney St areas that will remain cordoned off even on Monday, 5 June.

One of the three men involved in the terror incident that killed seven and wounded dozens in central London had been reported to police over his extremist views, according to reports.

A friend of the attacker, who is not being named at the request of the police, told BBC Asian Network that he had contacted authorities after realising the man had extremist views, while a neighbour had said she had reported him after he had attempted to radicalise her children.

There will be a minute's silence on Tuesday 6 June to commemorate those who were killed and injured in the London attacks.

The silence will be observed from 11am and flags will remain at half-mast on Whitehall government buildings. There will also be a vigil in potters Fields Park next to City Hall on Tuesday evening from 6pm.

London Bridge station will reopen on Monday but commuters have been warned to avoid the station if possible because of overcrowding.

The central London station is expected to be open time for rush hour on Monday morning, while Borough Underground station reopened on Sunday evening.

The US president Donald Trump has described the attacks in London as "evil slaughter", and said it would do everything it could to help bring those responsible to justice.

"This bloodshed must end. This bloodshed will end."

He made no mention of his earlier criticism of London mayor Sadiq Khan.

Germany has expressed solidarity with the UK, lighting up the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin with the Union flag.

The Met Police has said that among the 12 arrests in Barking, 11 people were detained at one address, while a 38-year-old woman was arrested at another.

There were five males and six women arrested, ranging in ages from 19 to 55.

The first victim has been named as Canadian woman, Christine Archibald, according to Sky News.

She had moved to London to be with her fiance, her family said in a statement: "We grieve the loss of our beautiful loving daughter and sister she had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected."

The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the London Bridge attack.

Its news outlet Amaq, on the messaging app Telegram, said "a security unit of Islamic State fighters carried out the London attacks yesterday".

London's Metropolitan Police have said they made 11 of the 12 arrests on Sunday at one property. Those detained range in age from 19 to 60.

Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said."I would like to assure them and the public that this is directly assisting the progression of the investigation and confirm we will release the identities of the three men directly responsible for the attacks ... as soon as operationally possible."

Meanwhile in Manchester, the One Love benefit concert has been going down a storm as the northern city shows solidarity with London, both having been at the centre of terror attacks.

Performers paid tribute to those affected by the terror attacks. Pharrell Williams said: "I'm bowing because despite all the things that have happened here, I don't smell or feel or hear or see any fear.

"We feel love resilience and positivity."

Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus, who also sang the song, added: "For me the most important responsibility we have on this entire planet is to take care of one another. And look what we're doing today and how amazing that is."

Leaders of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) have said they will increase their efforts to combat Islamic extremism in the UK.

Secretary general Harun Rashid said: "Today's attack makes us all angry, it makes me angry. And we want to do something about it. That is why we agree with the Prime Minister that things must change. Enough is enough.

"We are ready to have those difficult conversations, as equal citizens with an equal stake in this fight.

"I am pleased that the Prime Minister is speaking about conversation, it implies that we must listen to one another and work together to be part of a truly United Kingdom," he said, according to Sky News.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has reacted to news that a Canadian was among those killed in the London Bridge terror attack.

In a statement he said: "I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed. We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery."

The French president Emmanuel Macron has led the chorus of condemnation from world leaders and has said that France was "more than ever at Britain's side".

It comes as it emerged that one French national was among the dead while several other French citizens were wounded, four of whom are in a critical condition.

BBC reporter Holly Jones was at the scene during the attacks and was one of the first people to call 999.

She has been speaking to the BBC.

"The van was zigzagging along the pavement and it looked like it was aiming for groups of people," she said. "He hit two people in front of me that were about five metres in front, swerved back round again, and just clipped a girl who was walking towards me. Didn't touch her, and she had headphones in, and I just saw the shock and look on her face as it kind of veered around her.

"At this point is when I saw the driver of the vehicle, definitely intentional, he didn't look scared he just looked focused. I'd almost like to say the word demented – that's what he looked like.

"That's when he was heading straight towards me."

Uber has denied earlier reports that it raised prices after the attack to take advantage of people caught up in the incident who needed a lift home.

Armed police continue to be present in East Ham's Barking Road where witnesses say officers have carried out a number of arrests.

Dramatic pictures on social media showed the busy high street in lock down, with several police vehicles and dozens of officers in the area.

Police were seen aiming firearms at the windows of a flat above a betting shop.

It is not yet clear whether the latest police activity is connected to last night. It comes after 12 terror suspects were arrested during raids in Barking this morning.

The owner of Sam's Chicken Shop, next door to the flat raided by police, has been speaking to the Daily Telegraph.

Mathu Sivahran, who witnessed the raid, said a Romanian man and his girlfriend lived at the flat.

She said: "It had happened two hours ago, around 2.15pm. We saw armed police running around the rooftop, they shouted 'put your hands up', they surrounded them.

"Then they brought out five black guys and the Romanian guys and his girlfriend.

"One of the black guys was wearing full Islamic headdress.

"The Romanian people came in quite a lot. He was a nice, quiet boy. Always very good boy when he ordered food."

A former police chief has attacked police cuts imposed while Theresa May was Home Secretary.

Speaking to Sky News in the wake of last night's attack, Peter Kirkham also accused the government of lying about the number of armed officers in Britain.

Read our full story here:

London Bridge attacks: Ex-Met Police officer's attack on Theresa May's police cuts goes viral

Rowley said the investigation into the attack has made good progress but that there "remains much more to do".

Earlier today 12 people were arrested following police raids in Barking. There is a continued police presence in the area.

"We're making significant progress in identifying the three attackers and confirming the fact there were no other suspects at the scene when the attack was carried out," Rowley said.

"Work is undergoing to understand more about them, about their connections and whether they were assisted and supported by anyone else.

"There is clearly more to do and we will work relentlessly to get to the facts."

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley has been giving an update on the investigation into last night's attack.

He said eight armed officers opened fire as they hunted down the assailants, firing about 50 rounds in total.

A member of the public suffered a gunshot wound and is being treated in hospital, he added. All three suspected terrorists – who police say were wearing fake suicide bombing vests – were killed in the gunfire.

Rowley also said the van used to plough into pedestrians on London Bridge "was recently hired by one of the suspects".

Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has said one of the victims killed in last night's attack was Canadian, Press Association reports.

Seven people in total lost their lives, on top of the three suspected attackers shot dead by armed police.

He said: "Canada strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place last night in London, United Kingdom, which killed and injured many innocent people. I am heartbroken that a Canadian is among those killed.

"We grieve with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery.

"Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We recently witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different.

"These hateful acts do not deter us; they only strengthen our resolve. Canadians stand united with the British people. We will continue to work together with the United Kingdom and all our allies to fight terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.

"The Government of Canada will not comment further at this time out of respect for the family."

IBTimes UK reporter Ian Silvera has been speaking with people who were at London Bridge or Borough Market during last night's attack.

One restaurant owner said some of his staff were ex-military. They helped protect about 130 customers who were eating as the attack unfolded, he said.

There is a police presence near East Ham Town Hall in Barking.

Pictures and videos posted on social media show a police cordon and several police cars.

It is not immediately clear if it is related the last night's attack. Earlier today police arrested 12 people in other raids in Barking.

Following Theresa May's calls for big internet companies to end the "safe space" she says is provided to extremists online, Facebook has issued a statement.

The social media platform said: "We want to provide a service where people feel safe. That means we do not allow groups or people that engage in terrorist activity, or posts that express support for terrorism."

The full statement can be read here:

Dashcam footage from a London Taxi crossing London Bridge moments after the van ploughed into pedestrians has emerged online.

People can be seen lying injured on the floor as paramedics provide treatment. A mass of people can also be seen running away from the scene.

British Transport Police has praised one of its officers who it says took on the terrorists armed only with a baton.

Chief Constable 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."

Donald Trump has attacked Mayor of London Sadiq Khan over his reaction to the suspected terrorist attacks last night.

Khan said on Sunday that he condemned the attacks "in the strongest possible terms", adding that he was grieving for the victims. He insisted that terrorists "would not win".

He added: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. There's no reason to be alarmed."

The US President jumped on the comments on Twitter.

You can read our full story here:

Donald Trump attacks London Mayor Sadiq Khan over 'politically correct' terrorism comments

The Met Police says 12 people have been arrested in Barking, east London, in connection with last night's attack.

"The investigation into last night's horrific attack in London is progressing rapidly as the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) continue to piece together exactly what occurred," the Met Police said in a statement.

"Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have this morning, Sunday 4 June, arrested 12 people in Barking, east London, in connection with last night's incidents in London Bridge and the Borough Market area. Searches of a number of addresses in Barking are continuing."

The police raid in Barking, east London, this morning targeted the home of one of the three assailants shot dead during last night's attack, Sky News reported.

Neighbours said the attacker was a young father of Middle Eastern origin. He had a London accent and had been living in the area for at least three years, they added.

You can read our story here:

London Bridge attacks: Armed police raid home of dead terrorist in Barking - report

In another tale of heroism, the first police officer on the scene – a former rugby player – confronted all three suspected terrorists until he was forced to ground, Sky News has reported.

He is reportedly in a serious condition at a London hospital.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has joined the Conservative and Labour leaders in suspending his party's election campaign.

But he echoed Prime Minister Theresa May in saying the election "must go ahead as planned".

He said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their professional response in such terrible circumstances.

"The terrorists kill us because they hate us and what we stand for. They hate our democracy and our freedom. We refuse to let them win. We must respond with a vigorous commitment to our democracy.

"The election must go ahead as planned. It is right that we suspend our national campaigning for a short while out of respect for those affected by these tragic events, but local campaigning can and must continue."

He has also been speaking with the BBC:

An image of a man caught up in last night's attack gingerly carrying his pint of beer as others flee the scene has gone viral on social media, with some saying it showed the resilience of Londoners.

Among the units reportedly deployed during Saturday night's attack was the SAS "Blue Thunder" squad.

Some of the 70-strong unit – named after the dark blue helicopter they travel in – were seen landing in their chopper at London Bridge.

IBTimes UK has a report on who the unit is here.

Pictures have emerged on social media purporting to show a police raid underway in Barking, east London.

A police statement was not immediately available and it is unclear whether the raid on Sunday morning – at the Elizabeth Fry block of flats – was connected with the London Bridge attacks.

One image posted on Twitter showed several police officers surround suspects as they lay face-down on the ground.

Nizaur Rahman, 33, who lives opposite the block of flats where the raid took place, told the Daily Telegraph: "I was woken by the sound of a loud bang like a gunshot or explosion before 7am. I looked out of the window and saw nine CID vans and then ambulances."

Ali Nabi, 35, lives in the flat above the raid.

"I have lived here three years but never seen them before," he said.

"I heard the police shouting 'get down, get down', I looked out of my window and they were laid on the floor. All Asian men in black religious robes. A woman was with them but later released.

"One was in his 50s, another had a white beard, the third was in his 30s and the fourth was younger. They were all laid down with their hands cuffed behind their backs. I think it was someone on the ground floor but I've never seen them."

I'm now handing over the reins to my colleague Paul Wright.

Police raids are underway in east London, and Billericay, Essex. It is unclear whether they are all related or connected to the London attack.

Here is the full statement made by Prime Minister Theresa May.

"Last night, our country fell victim to a brutal terrorist attack once again.

As a result I have just chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency committee, and I want to update you with the latest information about the attack.

Shortly before 10 past 10 yesterday evening, the Metropolitan Police received reports that a white van had struck pedestrians on London Bridge.

It continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market, where three terrorists left the van and attacked innocent and unarmed civilians with blades and knives.

All three were wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, but the police have established that this clothing was fake and worn only to spread panic and fear.

As so often in such serious situations, the police responded with great courage and great speed. Armed offices from the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police arrived at Borough Market within moments and shot and killed the three suspects.

The terrorists were confronted and shot by armed officers within eight minutes of the police receiving the first emergency call.

Seven people have died as a result of the attack, in addition to the three suspects shot dead by the police. Forty-eight people are being treated in several hospitals across London.

Many have life-threatening conditions.

On behalf of the people of London and on behalf of the whole country, I want to thank and pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the police and the emergency services, and the courage of members of the public who defended themselves and others from the attackers.

And our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with their friends, families and loved ones.

This is, as we all know, the third terrorist attack Britain has experienced in the last three months. In March a similar attack took place just around the corner on Westminster Bridge.

Two weeks ago the Manchester Arena was attacked by a suicide bomber and now London has been struck once more.

And at the same time the security and intelligence agencies and police have disrupted five credible plots since the Westminster attack in March.

In terms of their planning and execution, the recent attacks are not connected but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face.

As terrorism breeds terrorism and perpetrators are inspired to attack, not only on the basis of carefully constructed plots after years of planning and training, and not even as lone attackers radicalised online, but by copying one another and often using the crudest of means of attack.

We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are. Things need to change and they need to change in four important ways.

First, while the recent attacks are not connected by common networks, they are connected in one important sense. They are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division and promotes sectarianism.

It is an ideology that claims our Western values of freedom, democracy and human rights are incompatible with the religion of Islam. It is an ideology that is a perversion of Islam and a perversion of the truth.

Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time, but it cannot be defeated by military intervention alone.

It will not be defeated by the maintenance of a permanent defensive counter-terrorism operation, however skillful its leaders and practitioners.

It will only be defeated when we turn people's minds away from this violence and make them understand that our values - pluralistic British values - are superior to anything offered by the preachers and supporters of hate.

Second, we cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed.

Yet that is precisely what the internet, and the big companies that provide internet-based services provide.

We need to work with allied democratic governments to reach international agreements that regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremist and terrorism planning.

And we need to do everything we can at home to reduce the risks of extremism online."

May struck a determined tone and said, "enough is enough".

"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are."

May confirms the UK General Election will not be postponed. The Conservative party will resume the election campaigning tomorrow (5 June).

May says there were five plots since the Westminster terror attack in March but all of them were unconnected.

She goes on: "There is a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism and perpetrators are inspired to attack... by copying one another and often using crudest means of attack."

"Police responded with great courage and great speed," says the British prime minister.

Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the nation outside 10 Downing Street.

The Guys and St Thomas' Hospital is one of the closest medical facilities located near the attack scene. The hospital treated nine patients from the attack.

A statement said: "Following the terror incidents in London Bridge and Borough Market last night, we have treated nine patients at St Thomas' - six men and three women. Five of the patients have since been discharged and four patients - two men and two women - have been admitted."

The Union flags are flying at half mast at 10 Downing Street as May is set to emerge from the Cobra emergency security meeting.

While we wait for May's statement on the attack post the Cobra meeting, Ariana Grande's manager Scooter Braun has confirmed that the Manchester concert will go on.

Prime Minister Theresa May will make a live statement any moment from now.

Russian Vladimir Putin has now responded to the attack condemning the "cruelty and cynicism".

Here are more images from the attack zone.

Here's how leaders from across the world reacted to the London terror attack. Read more from Karen's piece.

Prime Minister Theresa May concludes Cobra meeting. A statement is expected shortly.

The Met police boss reiterated in her last presser that there were only three attackers. However, she insisted the law enforcement agencies are looking into all angles to find more about the suspects in the "fast-moving investigation".

She said the police "believe this incident is under control"

Unlike other political parties, the UK Independence Party (UKIP) is not suspending its election campaign. Here is a tweet from the UKIP party leader Paul Nutall

.

Met police commissioner Cressida Dick held a press conference offering little more details about the attack. She said seven people are confirmed killed in the incident.

She said: "I heard of colleagues of other emergency services and members of the public who ran towards the danger as the incident unfolded. Many, many people risked their own safety to help others and treat those seriously injured and indeed to confront suspects involved.

"The courage of those people during and following the attack was extraordinary and I pay tribute to all of them... I'm sure they helped to save lives."

When asked whether the UK intelligence is sharing the initial investigation details with their American counterparts, Dick categorially sidestepped the question. She only said the British intelligence continues to work with the US.

She added: "We have a good working relationship with our American colleagues, normally share certain types of information with them and indeed depend on them to help keep this country safe.

"I cannot give you information at the moment of whether we have or we haven't, it's very early stages, but my working assumption is that we will, of course, be sharing information appropriately with our American colleagues."

Watch the police chief's video remarks here.

The Green Party suspends national campaigning after a similar move by Tories, Labour and the SNP.

Greens' co-leader Caroline Lucas said: "My heart goes out to all those affected and caught up in these horrific and despicable attacks, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families."

France's foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, says four French nationals are injured in the London Bridge attack. One of them is in a serious condition.

The Greater Manchester Police have released a video on safety for those attending the One Love Manchester concert later today. The concert marks Ariana Grande's first performance since 22 were killed at her Manchester Arena show a fortnight ago.

Travel alert...

Twitterati is reacting to Trump's comment on the London attacks when he called for the controversial travel ban again. Here's a piece by Hyacinth Mascarenhas.

Labour has announced it is also suspending its election campaign. Party leader Jeremy Corbyn's statement read: "We are all shocked and horrified by the brutal attacks in London. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died and the many who have been injured. Today, we will all grieve for their loss.

"The Labour party will be suspending national campaigning until this evening, after consultations with other parties, as a mark of respect for those who have died and suffered injury."

Unconfirmed details about a victim emerges for the first time. One of the injured has been identified as Oliver Dowling, 32, from New Zealand.

He is thought to have suffered four stab wounds in the knife attack, according to media reports in New Zealand. Dowling's sister has posted on Facebook that he is recovering after a four-hour surgery.

"Doctors are very happy with how he's come out the other side. A massive thank to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out!!" she wrote. It is unclear whether Dowling's girlfriend was also injured in the attack.

There is no official confirmation on the matter.

The King's College Hospital in south London has received 14 injured victims in total. One of them has been discharged.

"The Emergency Department at King's College Hospital (Denmark Hill) received 14 casualties (six females and eight males) following the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market in central London," a spokesman for the facility said.

The Scottish National Party said they are also suspending their political campaign.

The party's leader and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had earlier chosen strong words to condemn the attack. She will also hold an emergency security meeting in Scotland later today.

The Met Police have asked the public for images and videos to be uploaded to the website ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk to help with the investigation.

The Cobra committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May is set to begin shortly and ministers have started arriving at Downing Street. London Mayor Sadiq Khan had earlier said he would also take part in the meeting. A statement is expected at about 10am once the meeting is over.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a statement censuring the attack. She said: "Today, we are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination. In the fight against every form of terrorism, we stand firmly and with determination at Britain's side."

Malaysia Airlines has said operators are ready to refund tickets if travellers wish to cancel their plans.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has now tweeted about the "terrible news".

The Southeastern has more information on their train services. Read their update here.

Travel alert – if you're trying to find your way in London, please note these streets are closed following the terror attack.

• London Bridge
• Canon Street
• King William Street
• Lower Thames Street
• Southwark Bridge
• Southwark Street
• Gracechurch Street

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Nicola Sturgeon has released the following statement.

"Following the horrific terrorist attack in the centre of London last night, we are working closely with the UK government and Police Scotland to monitor the situation. Later today I will chair a meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience committee."

"My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives and with everyone who has been harmed or affected by these terrible incidents."

Also, take a look at the heart-rending photographs from the attack scene.

So, what is an Armed Response Vehicle? The armed officers patrolling in those vehicles were the first responders to the attack. Find more details in the article by my colleague Karen Noronha.

An Australian was among the wounded victims and authorities are working to confirm whether there was another. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who earlier paid tributes to the victims, said: "One case has been confirmed and the Australian concerned is in hospital. In the other case, we are continuing to make inquiries.

"Our officials will continue to provide every assistance they can to Australians affected by this shocking attack and their families."

The British Transport Police have earlier confirmed one of their officers was injured in the terror incident. The male officer is not identified as yet but his family has been informed.

The quick response by the London police was praised by Justice Secretary Elizabeth Truss. In fact, the short response time was hailed by several others in social media as well. Three attackers were shot dead by the police within eight minutes of the first emergency call received by the police.

To those who are looking to travel in London today...

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, responds to the terror attack condemning the "horrific" act. Confirming that he will be taking part in the Cobra security committee meeting later today, Khan said he is not in favour of delaying the General Election, scheduled for Thursday, 8 June.

He said: "I'm not an advocate of postponing the election, I'm a passionate believer in democracy... One of the things these terrorists hate is democracy. People should remain calm and vigilant, carry about their normal business."

When asked whether the decision to lower the terror threat level – from critical to severe – a few days after the Manchester attack was a mistake, Khan said it was not.

"The threat level remains severe... [that] means an attack across the country is still highly likely," he said.

French citizens are thought to be among the wounded victims. At least two of the injured are French nationals, a spokesperson for French President Macron said, according to Reuters.

Previously, French President Macron expressed solidarity with the UK soon after the onslaught.

Tories have announced they are suspending their election campaign, and other parties are likely to follow suit. A statement from the party said: "The Conservative party will not be campaigning nationally today. We will review as the day goes on and as more details of the attack emerge."

This is how major British dailies have covered the London terror attacks. A rundown of the front pages on Sunday.

More images from the scene...

Here is a piece on celebrities paying tribute to the victims of the terror attack.

Japan has issued a travel warning to its citizens. Tokyo's foreign ministry has warned visitors to London to "pay close attention to the surroundings, and leave quickly if any suspicious signs are seen".

The London Ambulance Service has now said 48 people are injured. All of them are being treated in various hospitals.

The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, wrote on Twitter: "Following latest London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."

Here's a story from my colleague Ananya Roy on what we know so far about the London terror attacks.

Major political parties are expected to suspend their election campaigning. But, there is no indication of the General Election being called off due to the terror attack though there are calls for that on social media.

For readers who are just waking up, here's a recap of what happened over the last several hours.

• London Bridge and Borough Market were the scenes of terror attacks involving three assailants – all shot dead by the police
• The knife-wielding attackers randomly stabbed people after their van ploughed into pedestrians
• At least six people have been killed. About 30 injured people are being treated at hospitals
• Neither the victims nor the suspects have been identified as yet
• Prime Minister Theresa May is set to chair an emergency Cobra meeting shortly
• Police believe there were only three attackers
• Condolence messages are pouring in from across the world

More travel-related updates...

As many as 80 medics of the London Ambulance Service responded to the attack. Here are the details released by the service.

Residences and businesses are offering shelter to stranded people in London. They have now begun to share their details using the hashtag #SofaForLondon.

Here's an image of one of the suspects who was killed by the police. He is seen wearing a fake suicide vest.

This image shows the white van that the suspects used to plough into pedestrians.

More witness accounts emerge. A couple –Ben and Natalie – told the BBC Radio 5 Live that they saw a man with a "large blade". The husband was quoted as saying: "We saw people running away and then I saw a man in red with a large blade, at a guess 10 inches long, stabbing a man, about three times.

"It looked like the man had been trying to intervene, but there wasn't much he could do. He was being stabbed quite coldly and he slumped to the ground."

The following are the five hospitals where injured victims have been admitted:

• St Mary's hospital
• St Thomas' hospital
• University College hospital
• King's College hospital
• The Royal London hospital

Here's the statement issued by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Tributes are pouring in from across the world. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said his country's "prayers and resolute solidarity" are with the UK.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter it was an "awful news from London". France's newly elected President Emmanuel Macron said his country is "more than ever" at the side of London.

Rowley had earlier revealed that the armed police killed three attackers within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call.

All three attackers were wearing fake suicide vests.

The assailants were first confronted by the police's armed response vehicles (ARVs), which usually patrol around Britian.

When Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley was asked about the possibility of more attackers, he responded by saying: "Our current belief is that there were three attackers... but we've still got more inquiries to do."

Several people have also posted in social media urging the General Election to be called off.

Here are some pictures from the scene of the attack.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd earlier condemned the "horrific attack". Here's her full statement. "This was a horrific attack in the heart of our capital city, targeted at people enjoying their evening with friends and family. My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this incident.

"As ever, in difficult and traumatic circumstances, I am extremely proud of and thankful to our police and emergency services who responded so swiftly and those who will work tirelessly as the investigation into this appalling act continues."

One of the injured victims was identified as a male officer of the British Transport Police. As yet, there are no details about any of the injured or deceased victims.

President Donald Trump has held a telephone call with Prime Minister Theresa May in the wake of the attack. The White House has released the following statement on their conversation. " President Donald J Trump spoke with prime minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom today. The president offered his condolences for the brutal terror attacks on June 3 in central London.

"He praised the heroic response of police and other first responders and offered the full support of the United States government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice."

Muslim Council of Britain has issued a statement strongly condemning the attack. Harun Khan, the secretary of the council, said: "I am appalled and angered by the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market, in my home city. These acts of violence were truly shocking and I condemn them in the strongest terms.

"Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons. That this should happen in this month of Ramadan, when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith.

"My prayers are with the victims and all those affected. I commend the work of our emergency services working hard to keep us safe and cope with the ensuing carnage."

This is the third terror attack the UK has witnessed since March.

The first attack on 22 March killed five people and the attacker Khalid Masood near the Houses of Parliament.

The second attack was on 22 May in which the suspect, later identified as Salman Abedi, detonated a home-made bomb at the Manchester Arena.

Reports of Islamic State (Isis) claiming responsibility for the London terror attacks emerge but so far all those remain unconfirmed. However, some Isis supporters in social media cheered the attack.

There were also reports citing eyewitnesses that the stabbers were shouting "This is for Allah".

US President Donald Trump was quick to express support to the British government when the terror attacks were unfolding.

Mark Rowley, assistant commissioner for the Metropolitan police, said in a statement: "We are treating this as a terrorist incident and a full investigation is already underway, led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.

"We are reviewing and planning to strengthen our policing stance across London over the forthcoming days, and there will be additional police and officers deployed across the capital."

The police have now confirmed six people were killed in the attack. They have also confirmed three attackers were shot dead.

Terror attacks reported in London and here's IBTimes UK's rolling coverage where you find all the latest updates.