I can confirm that at approximately 2pm today Friday the 29th of November. Police were call to a stabbing at a premises near to London Bridge EC1. Emergency services attended including officers from the City of London police and the Metropolitan Police.
A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from the City of London police, and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene.
A number of other people received injuries during this incident. As soon as we can provide further updates on their condition we will. And our heartfelt sympathies go out to everybody who’s been involved in this and is anxiously waiting for information on their loved ones. As soon as we can get that information w will get it to you.
As you would expect due to the nature of the incident, we responded as though this was terrorist related. I’m now in a position to confirm that it has been declared a terrorist incident.
We are working jointly with the City of London police as we continue to respond.
Officers from the met counterterrorism command and now leading this investigation, but I must stress we retain an open mind as to any motive. It would be inappropriate to speculate further at this time.
Due to reports that the suspect may have had an explosive device, specialists offices also attended the scene and wide cordons are in place to ensure there remains no further danger to the public.
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. Officers continue to carry out meticulous searches in the area to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public.
Those extensive cordons will remain in place for a considerable time, and I would ask the public please continue to avoid the area. Public Safety is obviously our top priority. We will be enhancing police patrols both in the city and the country.
I would ask anyone with information, image or footage of the incident that can be shared with our investigations aim to do so on the UK police image appeal website.
I would also ask the public to continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns that they have to the police.
I’m not going to take questions at this time. The Prime Minister has asked for a personal briefing and I’ll be heading with the Commissioner of the Met to Downing Street immediately
