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London attack: What we know so far London attack: What we know so far
(about 1 hour later)
A van has struck pedestrians on London Bridge in central London and the occupants have attacked people around nearby Borough Market. Police have declared a "terrorist incident". A van hit pedestrians on London Bridge in central London and the occupants attacked people around nearby Borough Market. Police declared a "terrorist incident".
Here's what we know so far.Here's what we know so far.
What happened?What happened?
Armed police and ambulances were called to reports of a white van hitting several people on London Bridge at 22:08 BST on Saturday.Armed police and ambulances were called to reports of a white van hitting several people on London Bridge at 22:08 BST on Saturday.
The area and nearby railway stations were closed. Witness reports said the van mounted the pavement and swerved into a number of people. The area and nearby railway stations were closed. The van mounted the pavement and swerved into a number of people.
BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge, said: "A white van driver came speeding - probably about 50mph - veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement.BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge, said: "A white van driver came speeding - probably about 50mph - veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement.
"He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people.""He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people."
The vehicle continued to drive to nearby Borough Market, where the suspects stabbed several people in an area crowded with people having an evening out. The vehicle continued to drive to nearby Borough Market, where the suspects got out and stabbed several people in an area crowded with people having an evening out.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed six people had died and 48 required hospital treatment. In addition, three suspected attackers were shot dead. Eyewitnesses spoke of attackers targeting people in pubs.
One witness, Gerard, told the BBC: "They were running up shouting, 'This is for Allah.' They stabbed this girl maybe 10 times, 15 times."
He said he tried to stop them by throwing bottles, chairs and other items.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed six people had died and 48 required hospital treatment.
In addition, three suspected attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of officers receiving the first incident report.
British Transport Police said one of its officers was seriously injured responding to the attack.British Transport Police said one of its officers was seriously injured responding to the attack.
A third police unit was sent to the Vauxhall area. Officers later said this was a stabbing and not connected to the operation at London Bridge and Borough Market.A third police unit was sent to the Vauxhall area. Officers later said this was a stabbing and not connected to the operation at London Bridge and Borough Market.
London Ambulance Service took more than 100 emergency calls about the attack.London Ambulance Service took more than 100 emergency calls about the attack.
The victimsThe victims
The Metropolitan Police said six people died in the attack. The Metropolitan Police said six people died in the attack, and the London Ambulance Service said it had taken 48 people to five different London hospitals.
London Ambulance Service said it had taken 48 people to five different London hospitals. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said some of the injured are in a critical condition.
The "seriously injured" British Transport Police officer suffered head, face and leg wounds. The "seriously injured" British Transport Police officer suffered head, face and leg wounds, but his life is not in danger.
Meanwhile, people described as "walking wounded" were moved to the Andaz Hotel at Liverpool Street where there were paramedics and more armed police.
Police boats also searched the River Thames for anyone who may have fallen from the bridge.Police boats also searched the River Thames for anyone who may have fallen from the bridge.
The Metropolitan Police has opened its Casualty Bureau for people concerned about friends or relatives. No victims have yet been named.The Metropolitan Police has opened its Casualty Bureau for people concerned about friends or relatives. No victims have yet been named.
Two French citizens are among the injured and one is seriously hurt, according to a statement from the French president's office.
The attackersThe attackers
Three men, believed to be the attackers, have been shot by police.Three men, believed to be the attackers, have been shot by police.
Police said the men were shot within eight minutes of officers receiving the first reports of the attack. Police confirmed shots were fired at Borough Market and a photographer took a picture showing people lying on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub.
Witnesses had described seeing between two and four men getting out of the van after it crashed south of London Bridge.
Police confirmed shots were fired at Borough Market and a photographer took a picture showing two people lying on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub.
One of the people on the ground appears to have canisters strapped around his waist, and police said the men were wearing hoax explosive vests.One of the people on the ground appears to have canisters strapped around his waist, and police said the men were wearing hoax explosive vests.
The person who took the photo said he saw three people shot by police.The person who took the photo said he saw three people shot by police.
What is currently happening?What is currently happening?
The investigation is being led by the Counter Terrorism Command.The investigation is being led by the Counter Terrorism Command.
London Bridge is completely closed and will remain so, British Transport Police said.London Bridge is completely closed and will remain so, British Transport Police said.
Police believe they may have caught all the attackers but armed officers continue to sweep the area.Police believe they may have caught all the attackers but armed officers continue to sweep the area.
A casualty line has been set up for members of the public who are concerned about friends and relatives. People have been told they can ring 0800 096 1233 or 020 7158 0197 but only "in a genuine emergency".A casualty line has been set up for members of the public who are concerned about friends and relatives. People have been told they can ring 0800 096 1233 or 020 7158 0197 but only "in a genuine emergency".
The police are also asking anyone with photographs or videos of the incident to upload them here.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said there will be an increased police presence on city streets, but people should not be alarmed.
He said the UK terrorism threat level remains at severe, having been raised to critical for a short time after the Manchester attack.
London Bridge and Borough stations have been closed and trains are passing straight through.London Bridge and Borough stations have been closed and trains are passing straight through.
Network Rail also said Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Cannon Street stations were closed and there were delays at Blackfriars.Network Rail also said Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Cannon Street stations were closed and there were delays at Blackfriars.
The River Thames has been reopened to boats.The River Thames has been reopened to boats.
Nearby Guy's Hospital has been placed in lockdown as a precaution to keep staff and patients safe, as have St Thomas' and the Evelina Children's Hospital a mile away.
Police have been clearing streets, bars and restaurants around Borough Market, a very busy area of the capital especially on Saturday nights.
Pentecost services at Southwark Cathedral have been cancelled as the cathedral is within the police cordon.
ReactionReaction
Prime Minister Theresa May and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan both said they are being kept "regularly updated" on events.Prime Minister Theresa May and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan both said they are being kept "regularly updated" on events.
Mrs May said: "Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."Mrs May said: "Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."
The prime minister will chair a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee on Sunday, which Mr Khan will attend.The prime minister will chair a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee on Sunday, which Mr Khan will attend.
Mr Khan described the events as a "deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night". Mr Khan said, "[The attackers] are evil cowards and London will never be cowed."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called the attack "brutal and shocking".Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called the attack "brutal and shocking".
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said it was a "horrific incident" and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called it "dreadful news".Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said it was a "horrific incident" and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called it "dreadful news".
The US State Department said it "condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London". The Conservative Party, the Labour Party and the SNP have announced they are suspending campaigning on Sunday, ahead of Thursday's general election.
French President Emmanuel Macron said his country "is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom". US President Donald Trump tweeted: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"
Residents and businesses in the area have been offering shelter to people. The hashtag #SofaForLondon has been used to share offers. Mr Trump also called for his travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries to be upheld by US courts, where it is being challenged.
Other world leaders have also condemned the attack, including French President Emmanuel Macron who said his country "is more than ever at the side of the United Kingdom".