London attack – as it happened: Theresa May raises threat level to critical as Isis claims responsibility
Soldiers to support police after 29 people are hurt in tube bombing at Parsons Green
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The UK's terrorist threat level has been raised to critical after London was hit by a new terror attack as commuters headed to work on the Tube.
An explosion at Parsons Green underground station in the west of the capital injured passengers and led to a "major incident" being declared. Yet more people were hurt during the crush to leave the train, witnesses said.
Images shared online appeared to showed a bucket with wires trailing from it smouldering inside a District Line train.
The device is being forensically examined while detectives are scouring CCTV and examining witness statements for potential leads.
Armed police, paramedics and firefighters were all called to the scene.
Witnesses described flames and a "fireball" following the incident at about 8.20am today.
Assistant Commander Mark Rowley, who is the UK's top counter-terrorism officer, said the force continues to "chase down suspects" in connection with the attack.
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Reports suggest the Government's Cobra committee meeting this afternoon will discuss the UK's terror threat level.
The level currently stands at "severe", the second-highest behind "critical".
The Met says: "Counter Terrorism detectives are making fast-time inquiries to establish who was responsible for the incident at #ParsonsGreen tube station.
"We believe the fire at #ParsonsGreen tube station was caused by the detonation of an improvised device, which is being forensically examined."
It suggested the force did not know who was behind the bombing and, therefore, that Donald Trump was wrong to assert the attacker was "in the sights" of Scotland Yard earlier today.
The Yard did not comment when asked whether the US President's comments were a leak of confidential intelligence.
The Government has released advice for those affected by the terror attack, including mental health support for victims.
London Fire Brigade's director of operations, Tom George, said: "The brigade was called at 8.21am and firefighters were on the scene within three minutes.
"Fire crews assisted the London Ambulance Service in treating casualties on the affected train.
"Firefighters also helped evacuate 253 people from a train not involved in the incident.
"We continue to support the Metropolitan Police and other services at Parsons Green."
Lidl UK told the BBC, after one of the company's freezer bags appeared to have been used in the attack: "We are shocked and concerned to have learned of an incident at Parsons Green this morning and our thoughts are with those affected.
"We will, of course, support the authorities should they need our assistance in their investigations. We are closely monitoring the situation as it develops over the course of the day."
Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, said: "Once more people going about their everyday lives have been targeted in a callous and indiscriminate way.
"My thoughts are with all those injured and affected.
"The police and emergency services were quickly on the scene and I would like to pay tribute again to their professionalism and tireless commitment."
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