TerrorismTerrorist shot, killed at the entrance to U.K. Parliament, after mowing people down with car
A terrorist drove his car into a group of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, and after his car crashed into a security railing, ran into the House of Parliaments wielding a big knife. He stabbed one security guard just inside the main gate to Westminster Palace before being shot and killed by the police. More than a dozen pedestrians were injured on the bridge, some seriously, and at least one woman was killed. The House of Parliament and House of Lords are under lock-down, and members of both houses were instructed to stay indoors.
Amed guard on watch at U.K. parliament // Source: theconversation.com
A man wielding a big knife stabbed a policeman at the entrance to the House of Parliament in London, before being shot and killed by police officers in a major terrorist attack directed at the Parliament.
The attack took place about 2:45 p.m. London time.
More than a dozen pedestrians were injured by a car – some of them seriously – and at least one woman died.
The Sun reports that the attacker, driving a grey Hyundai i40, mowed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before his car crashed into a security railings. He bolted out of the car, running through the gates of the Palace of Westminster and stabbing the officer, before being shot dead.
The body of at least one of the pedestrians who was could be seen in the water under the bridge.
The attacker was shot after he came near to a second officer, wielding his bloody knife.
Witnesses said they heard about a dozen gunshots coming from just inside the main gates to the House of Parliament.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who was at the building at the time of the attack, was seen flanked by a large number of security officer, who rushed her into an armored silver Jaguar on the grounds of the Westminster Palace.
Within minutes of the attack, a medical emergency helicopter landed in Parliament Square, and medics were seen rushing from the helicopter toward the bodies on the bridge.
Members of Parliament and Lords in the House of Lords were instructed to stay indoors and not venture out of the building.
David Lidington, leader of the House of Commons, told MPs: “The alleged assailant was shot by armed police. An air ambulance is currently attending the scene to remove the casualties.
“There are also reports of further violent incidents in the vicinity of the palace of Westminster but I hope colleagues on all sides will appreciate it would be wrong for me to go into further details until we have confirmation from the police and house security authorities about what is going on.
“I shall endeavor to do the very best I can, both at the dispatch box and by communicating with my opposite numbers in other political parties to ensure members are kept aware of what is happening.
“But at the moment the very clear advice from the police and director of security in the house is that we should remain under suspension and that the chamber should remain in lockdown until we receive advice that it is safe to go back to normal procedures.”
Shadow leader of the house Valerie Vaz added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the police officer. [I want] to thank the police and all security services, and all the staff for looking after us so well.”
