British police shot and killed a terror attacker Friday on the London Bridge -- a harrowing incident that left at least one innocent person dead and several others injured around the key thoroughfare that had been the site of a deadly Islamist attack just over two years ago.
Two members of the public, separate from the attacker, were killed in the assault, the BBC reported citing government sources.
At least five people were injured in the incident, although it was unclear what the injuries were and how many may have been caused by the terrorist. Scotland Yard earlier said first responders raced to "a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge" just before 2 p.m. local time.
One of the injured could be seen being held by police after the attack, while the outlet had reported two others were in serious condition.The area remained sealed by police for safety reasons.
"Due to reports that the suspect may have had an explosive device, specialist offices also attended the scene and wide cordons are in place to ensure there remains no further danger to the public," Basu said. "However, I can confirm at this time, we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device. Officers continue to carry out meticulous searches in the area to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public."
The lockdown and fears of an explosive device caused a mass panic with those nearby running or searching for shelter.
“I was shopping in the area when they started to cordon it off. There was panic in the market and people started running. I saw two people fall over," a woman identified as Jo, from East London, told the Guardian. "I was walking down a side street trying to leave the area when all of a sudden people started running. The police then told people to get inside, so we sheltered in Le Pain Quotidien. They locked the doors and moved people away from the glass. The police has just let us leave.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "being kept updated on the incident at London Bridge and want to thank the police and all emergency services for their immediate response."
He added that the incident has been contained to the best of his knowledge.
“To the best of our knowledge the incident has been contained," he said. “But I would urge everybody, of course, to be to be vigilant and one cannot help but think back to what happened in 2017 in the same part of the city, and I hope very much that people will be able, as fast as possible to go about their normal business.”
"Shocking reports from London Bridge. My thoughts are with those caught up in the incident. Thank you to the police and emergency services who are responding," he said.
British Transport Police said underground trains will not be stopping at London Bridge Underground station. The mainland station is also closed.
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