London terror attack live updates: Seven killed in London Bridge and Borough Market before armed police shoot three suspects dead

Prime Minister warns Britain is in the grip of a spate of copycat terror attacks

London terror attack: Everything we know so far

At least seven people were killed and dozens more injured after a van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge and several men then started stabbing passersby in what police said was a terrorist attack.

The incident began on London Bridge when a white transit-style van drove into a crowd of people "at about 50mph", according to witnesses.

Police said the van then drove to the nearby Borough Market where three men began attacking people. Three suspects were shot dead by armed police.

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Three men have been shot dead after killing seven and injuring 48 more with a van and knife attack in London.

The killings on Saturday night were the second terrorist atrocity to hit the country in as many weeks after 22 were killed at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Attackers brought carnage to the streets of the capital, stabbing a police officer and revellers with 12-inch knives, reportedly shouting "this is for Allah".

The trio were pictured wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, with Scotland Yard later confirming they were hoaxes.

Armed police rushed to the scene and shot dead the three male attackers in the Borough Market area near the bridge, as authorities urged Londoners on Twitter to "run, hide, tell" if they were caught up in the violence.

The attacks came just five days ahead of a national parliamentary election on Thursday. The ruling Conservative Party suspended national campaigning on Sunday, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said.

"Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism," Ms May said in a statement as events unfolded.

The killings also occurred less than two weeks after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a pop concert by U.S. singer Ariana Grande in Manchester in northern England.

The BBC showed a photograph of two possible attackers shot by police, one of whom had canisters strapped to his body. Hours after the attack the area remained sealed off and patrolled by armed police and counter-terrorism officers.

The London Ambulance Service said 48 people had been taken to five hospitals across the city and a number of others had been treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Streets around London Bridge and Borough Market, an area that is a major transport hub and is packed with bars and restaurants, was busy with people on a night out.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan spoke of a "cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night".

Key Points

• Isis claims responsibility saying a 'detachment' of its fighters carried out attack
• Canadian Christine Archibald named as one of those killed
• Witness: 'I looked terrorist directly in the eye - then he started walking towards us'
• Jeremy Corbyn tells Theresa May 'you cannot protect public on the cheap'
• Theresa May says attack shows Britain is too tolerant of extremism
• Internet must now be regulated, Prime Minister says
• Donald Trump tweets unconfirmed reports before using attack to promote travel ban
• Seven people killed after van crashes into public and passersby are stabbed
• Timeline of events
• What we know so far

[4 June 2017 08:04 · Samuel Osborne]

More on the reports that two French citizens were injured in the attack:

A statement from the Elysee said: "The attack which struck London, days after that which took place in Manchester, is a new abominable and cowardly attack against our free society.

"Fellow French citizens are among the injured. France is putting everything in place to assist them."

[4 June 2017 08:08 · Samuel Osborne]

Trains will not stop at London Bridge today, but will continue to run from Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Cannon Street.

[4 June 2017 08:11 · Samuel Osborne]

A police helicopter arrives on the scene overnight 

[4 June 2017 08:16 · Samuel Osborne]

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Following the horrific terrorist attack in the centre of London last night, we are working closely with the UK Government and Police Scotland to monitor the situation. Later today I will chair a meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience Committee.

"My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives and with everyone who has been harmed or affected by these terrible incidents."

[4 June 2017 08:19 · Samuel Osborne]

Fourteen people injured in the attack were taken to King's College Hospital, in Denmark Hill, south London.

A spokesman said: "The Emergency Department at King's College Hospital (Denmark Hill) received 14 casualties (six females and eight males) following the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market in central London.

"One patient has been discharged."

[4 June 2017 08:21 · Samuel Osborne]

The pre-election edition of BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show has been cancelled in response to the outrage.

The programme had been due to feature election interviews with Tim Farron, Brexit Secretary David Davis and shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

[4 June 2017 08:22 · Samuel Osborne]

[4 June 2017 08:23 · Samuel Osborne]

Also cancelled was the BBC's Sunday Politics, which had been due to feature interviews with Lib Dem former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, Conservative Treasury minister David Gauke and Labour's Chi Onwurah.

[4 June 2017 08:30 · Samuel Osborne]

Police forensics investigators at work on London Bridge and Borough Market (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez) 

[4 June 2017 08:35 · Samuel Osborne]

European leaders sent messages of sympathy and solidarity to the UK via social media.

The President of the European Council Donald Tusk said: "My heart and mind are in London after another cowardly attack. Europe stands by UK in fight against terrorism."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: "Following latest London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe."

And the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani said: "We mourn in solidarity with the victims and the families of heinous London Bridge attack.These acts must be stopped. #UnitedAgainstTerrorism."

Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy offered "solidarity and support" and Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite said that the "London spirit" was "stronger than fear".

Belgian PM Charles Michel said: "A new tragedy in London, we all stand with UK."