Major incident declared in London

Updated: 5pm 29th November 2019

Further details of this developing situation have been released. Neil Basu, the head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said in a statement: "At approximately 2pm today, police were called to a stabbing at a premises near London Bridge.

"Emergency services attended including officers from the City of London Police and Metropolitan Police.

"A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene."

Mr Basu said that specialist officers had been deployed after reports that the suspect had an explosive vest, but the device was believed to be a "hoax".

He added: "Due to reports that the suspect might have had an explosive device specialist officers attended the scene.

"However, I can confirm at this time we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device.

The original news article is below

A man has been detained by officers and number of people have been injured following a stabbing near London Bridge, the Metropolitan Police have said.

Footage on social media appeared to show armed officers with their weapons poised, while witnesses have reported hearing gunfire.

Police say the circumstances around to the incident are unclear but as a precaution they are currently responding to the incident as though it is terror-related.

They've also confirmed one man has been shot by police.

London Bridge station and Borough Market have been evacuated.

A police statement said: Police were called at 1:58pm to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge.

Emergency services attended, including officers from the Met and the City of London Police.

A man has been detained by police. We believe a number of people have been injured. Further info to follow.''

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: I'm being kept updated on the incident at London Bridge and want to thank the police and all emergency services for their immediate response.''

He said: Very concerned by ongoing incident at London Bridge. My thoughts are with all affected. I am grateful for the rapid response of our police and I urge everyone to follow their advice.'

Home Secretary Priti Patel added she was very concerned''.

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn has tweeted " Shocking reports from London Bridge. My thoughts are with those caught up in the incident. Thank you to the police and emergency services who are responding. "

A video has emerged showing police officers aiming guns at a white lorry that jackknifed across London Bridge.

The footage shows several officers surrounding the vehicle before moving to the rear to check its container.

London buses can be seen either side of the lorry while three police cars are parked next to it on the bridge.

Nurse Jackie Benfield, 32, described how she asked to be let off a bus on London Bridge after she heard five or six'' gunshots.

Ms Benfield, who was on her way home from work, said she exited the bus and ran like hell'' to escape the shots.

Connor Allen, who was in his van on the bridge when it was evacuated said: Everyone just started running, you heard these pops and that was it. We just got out the van and started running.'

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