London Bridge has been put on lockdown following reports of multiple stabbings, which resulted in a man being shot and killed by the police according to reports.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a man carrying a knife before being approached by police.
Neil Basu, the head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said: “At approximately 2pm today, police were called to a stabbing at a premises near London Bridge. Emergency services attended including officers from the City of London Police and Metropolitan Police.
“A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene.”
“Due to reports that the suspect might have had an explosive device specialist officers attended the scene. 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.”
Mr Basu also declared the incident a “terrorist-related”, adding: “I am now in a position to declare it is a terrorist incident. Officers from the Met counter terrorism command are now leading this investigation.”
Footage emerged online of police grappling with a man on the floor in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
“Please follow @metpoliceuk for updates. If you are near the scene, please follow the directions of any officer on the ground.”
Prior to Mr Basu’s statement, the police force said: “Police were called at 1.58pm to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge. Emergency services attended, including officers from the Met. A man has been detained by police. We believe a number of people have been injured. Further info to follow.
“We are aware of reports circulating on social media. We will release facts when we can – our info must be accurate.”
“At this stage, the circumstances relating to the incident at London Bridge remain unclear. However, as a precaution, we are currently responding to this incident as though it is terror-related.”
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) declared it a major incident, saying: ”We have now declared a major incident and have a number of crews at the scene in London Bridge. We will share more information as soon as we have it.”