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As it happenedended1510332778

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

Parsons Green attack: What we know so far

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Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

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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Rebuke

BREAKING: Theresa May has rebuked US President Donald Trump over his Parsons Green comments on Twitter, saying: "I never think it's helpful for anybody to speculate on what is an ongoing investigation."

Jon Sharman15 September 2017 14:43
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Jon Sharman15 September 2017 14:45
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Alert status

The UK's terror threat level remains at "severe", Theresa May has said—the second-highest level behind "critical". This will remain under review, however.

It means that for now, authorities believe another terrorist attack is highly likely, but not imminent.

Jon Sharman15 September 2017 14:47
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Suspect identified

It is reported that police have identified a suspect in the Parsons Green bombing.

Jon Sharman15 September 2017 15:04
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New Trump statement

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters (Sky) 

Donald Trump has made a further statement to the media on the White House lawn, in what appeared to be an impromptu press conference.

After walking over to the cameras, he said: "It's a terrible thing. This keeps going and going, and we have to be very smart, we have to be very, very tough.

"Which, perhaps, we're not nearly tough enough. But that is just an absolutely terrible thing.

"In fact, I'm going to call the Prime Minister right now."

Asked whether he had been briefed on any intelligence about the attack, Mr Trump said: "Yes, I have. On numerous things happening, including North Korea."

Jon Sharman15 September 2017 15:10
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Jon Sharman15 September 2017 15:42
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This just out from Guys and St Thomas' hospital: 

Kristin Hugo15 September 2017 16:15
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New York security stepped up

Security measures have been stepped up in New York following the bombing. 

Extra officers, sniffer dogs and heavy weapons teams have been moved into the city's transit system as a precaution following the Parsons Green bombing. 

A joint terrorism task force is monitoring intelligence, department spokesman Peter Donald said. 

Commissioner James O'Neill said on Friday there were no direct threats to New York City — but he said people should always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he directed law enforcement to increase transportation security at airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems across the state.

Kristin Hugo15 September 2017 16:36
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The Press Association reports the suspected IED is being forensically examined by specialists. Meanwhile, detectives are scouring CCTV and examining witness statements for potential leads.

Kristin Hugo15 September 2017 16:40
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London Ambulance confirms it treated 19 patients following the bombing. 

Kristin Hugo15 September 2017 16:49

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