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As it happenedended

London attack as it happened: Five dead and 40 injured after terror incident in Westminster

Andrew Griffin,Samuel Osborne
Wednesday 22 March 2017 15:42 GMT
Westminster terror attack: Timeline of events

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A police officer has been stabbed and an alleged assailant shot by armed police outside the Houses of Parliament.

Here's what we know so far:

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load

Commons Leader David Lidington has told MPs a "police officer has been stabbed" and the "alleged assailant was shot by armed police" following a "serious" incident within the parliamentary estate.

Minutes later, an emergency services helicopter landed in Parliament Square, as sirens were heard outside.

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Air ambulance medics came from the helicopter to assist the casualties.

A woman was confirmed dead after a car ploughed into corwds on Westminster Bridge causing multiple casualties
A woman was confirmed dead after a car ploughed into corwds on Westminster Bridge causing multiple casualties (Reuters)

Two people lay on the ground in the yard. One of them appeared to have had clothes removed as emergency workers attempted to resuscitate the pair.

Parliament Square was closed to traffic.

    Mr Buck didn't hear any gunshots. He had arrived in the UK on Saturday and was planning to visit Westminster Abbey

    Lizzie Dearden22 March 2017 15:47

    Scottish SNPs are talking about suspending debate in Holyrood, too.  b18f0ad7-889e-46a7-bf2f-3420971a25b8.jpg

    Not sure how appropriate it is for this @ScotParl debate to carry on given the shocking news from Westminster

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    Andrew Griffin22 March 2017 15:48

    Theresa May was still on the parliamentary estate following Prime Minister's Questions when the attacker struck, The Independent's political editor Joe Watts has confirmed.Witnesses saw the Prime Minister being led to her car, with the vehicle about to leave when officers then prevented it from driving into New Palace Yard where the incident occurred.

    Andrew Griffin22 March 2017 15:49

    Ambulance services saying pls don't call an ambulance unless it's a genuine emergency - services needed in #Westminster

    Kimberley Leonard22 March 2017 15:51

    Body now covered with two grey blankets. Definitely dead. Assume its the assailant but can't confirm.

    Paul Waugh22 March 2017 15:51

    Message to all of us in Parliament. Entire building in lockdown. We not allowed to move location.

    Paul Waugh22 March 2017 15:52
    Andrew Griffin22 March 2017 15:52

    Buckingham Palace declined to comment about its security arrangements in light of the terrorist incident and referred all inquiries to the Met Police.But with the Royal Standard flying above the palace - indicating the Queen was in residence - it was clear some precautions had been taken as the gates, patrolled by armed police, had been closed.

    Andrew Griffin22 March 2017 15:55

    One of the Guardian's political editors reports that two suspects were caught on Westminster Bridge, potentially in addition to the man who was shot.  bffa4f8c-779e-49d0-bde1-e9af7f299300.jpg

    Our @rowenamason who has just been evacuated from Portcullis House says police have told her two suspects were caught on Westminster Bridge.

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    Andrew Griffin22 March 2017 15:56

    #London Ambulance Service statement on #Parliament attack: "we have declared a major incident" http://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7iLIWtVsAAT0S_.jpg

    Jay Borselle22 March 2017 15:57

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