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 11:55 · Samuel Osborne]

Pope Francis has offered prayers for the victims of the London attacks during a traditional Sunday blessing following Mass that marked the Pentecost holiday. 

Francis invoked prayers that the Holy Spirit "grants peace to the whole world and heal the wounds of war and of terrorism, which also last night, in London, struck innocent victims." 

The pope asked for prayers for the victims and their family members caught up in the attack. Pentecost concludes the Easter season. 

[4 June 2017 11:56 · Samuel Osborne]

[4 June 2017 11:59 · Samuel Osborne]

[4 June 2017 12:04 · Samuel Osborne]

[4 June 2017 12:14 · Samuel Osborne]

Flags outside the Scottish Parliament have been lowered to half mast in the wake of the attack.

[4 June 2017 12:15 · Samuel Osborne]

[4 June 2017 12:29 · Samuel Osborne]

Donald Trump's latest tweet: 

[4 June 2017 12:29 · Samuel Osborne]

A London Imam has acknowledged the London attack is "inspired by radical Islam".

[4 June 2017 12:29 · Samuel Osborne]

"Last night's terror attack is bound to spark talks of putting the troops on the streets and limiting free speech," Sean O'Grady writes, "but history has proven this is not the answer. Now more than ever is a time to continue protecting our democratic process"

[4 June 2017 12:35 · Samuel Osborne]

Mr Trump added: "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'"