London attack: Seven killed in vehicle and stabbing terrorist attack

A white van hit several pedestrians on London Bridge last night before apparently crashing into railings, the BBC report.

Three men then left the vehicle and stabbed a number of people in Borough Market, south of the bridge, an area known for its restaurants and bars.

Armed officers confronted and shot the suspects within eight minutes, BBC said.

London Ambulance Service said 48 people have been taken to five hospitals. More than 80 medics were sent to the scene to help those hurt.

One of the injured is an officer from British Transport Police who was stabbed after responding to the incident. His condition is serious, but not life-threatening.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said that seven people have been confirmed killed. 

He said it was currently believed there were only three attackers involved. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be fakes.

"We are treating this as a terrorist incident and a full investigation is already under way," he added.

The incident is the third terror attack in the UK in three months following the car and knife attack in Westminster in March, which left five people dead, and the Manchester bombing less than two weeks ago, in which 22 people were killed.

Prime Minister Theresa May described Saturday night's as "dreadful" and will chair a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee later. Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan all took to Twitter to express solidarity with those affected and to thank the emergency services.

Khan called it "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners".

World leaders react

French President Emanuel Macron has confirmed two French citizens amongst the injured, saying France stands "more than ever at Britain's side."

US President Donald Trump tweeted his support for Britain and called Prime Minister Theresa May to offer his condolences. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians stood united with London after the attacks.

A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel tweeted "Our thoughts are with the people in London. We stand together against terror."