At least 7 dead, dozens hurt in terrorist attack in London

At least seven people were killed and 48 others wounded late Saturday night after a vehicle veered off the road and mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge, before three men exited the van and preceded to stab passersby at nearby Borough Market. The London Metropolitan Police declared the incident a terrorist attack, saying three suspects were shot dead by officers who arrived at the scene.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said it had no knowledge of Israelis being among the casualties.

Metropolitan Police chief of counterterrorism Mark Rowley said police believe all of the terrorists were killed.

Video: Reuters

"Sadly, six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot by police," Rowley said, adding the three attackers had been wearing what looked like explosive vests that were later determined as fake.

Another police official said police presence will be increased, including those by armed officers, in all major sites in London.

Hours after the attacks, a large area of central London remained cordoned off and police told people to avoid the area, leaving tourists and locals struggling to get home.

It was unclear whether any of the attackers was on the run. Bursts of gunfire echoed through the streets, likely from armed police, and at least three blasts rang out as police performed controlled explosions.

British Prime Minister Theresa May convened an emergency meeting of her cabinet's crisis response committee on Sunday.

"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," she said. "This is a fast moving investigation. I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the incident was a "deliberate and cowardly attack," and that he would take part in the cabinet's crisis response committee meeting.

"We don't yet know the full details, but this was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors," Khan said. "I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn described the attack as "brutal and shocking."

"My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services," Corbyn said.

With elections only four days away, the Conservative and Labour parties suspended national campaigning in wake of the London Bridge attack. In separate statements, the parties said the decision was a show of solidarity and respect toward the victims.

The mayhem began just after 10 p.m. (local time) Saturday, when police responded to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge, which crosses the River Thames in central London. Multiple witnesses reported a vehicle veering off the road and hitting as many as six pedestrians.

Soon after, reports started coming in of stabbings at Borough Market, a nearby area full of bars and restaurants surrounding a popular food market. Witnesses reported seeing as many as three attackers with knives.

Police tweeted a warning telling people in the area to run to safety, hide and then call police if it is safe to do so. They asked Londoners to "remain calm but be alert and vigilant."

'We stand with the British people'

World leaders took to social media to condemn the attack and voice solidarity with the British people.

U.S. President Donald Trump took to Twitter to offer U.S. help to Britain, writing, "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there -- WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"

Trump also spoke with May to offer condolences and offered Washington's "full support" in investigating and bringing the perpetrators to justice, the White House said in a statement.

State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said, "All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom," while the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement saying, "At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry and lawmakers denounced the attack.

"Israel condemns last night's horrific London Bridge Attack. We stand with the British people at this time," the Foreign Ministry said on Twitter.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan tweeted, "Israel stands in solidarity with the U.K. and London in the fight against terror. It's time for a new global alliance against terror. This was an attack not just against the U.K. but against Western values and democracy. Our prayers are with the victims."

Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) said he was "appalled by another horrific terror attack in the U.K. My thoughts are with the British nation. We must unite and work together to defeat terror."

Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid said, "Our prayers are with the U.K. once again. We are all united against murderous Islamic extremists who want us dead just because of who we are."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "Today, we are united across all borders in horror and sadness, but equally in determination. I stress for Germany: In the fight against all forms of terrorism, we stand firmly and decisively at Britain's side."

Spain's King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy expressed their condolences for the victims of the attacks. The Spanish royal family wrote on Twitter: "The British people will overcome this barbarism and senselessness. We are united today in pain and in our tireless defense of freedom."

French President Emmanuel Macron said France "is more than ever on the side of the United Kingdom. My thoughts go to the victims and their loved ones."

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said his country’s "prayers and resolute solidarity" were with the people of Britain. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia "stood ready to support the British government" in responding to the attacks.

New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said, "No one should be forced to live in fear, no matter their race or religion, their politics or beliefs. Our hearts go out to you."

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

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, "My thoughts tonight are with all those affected by brutal London Bridge attacks. We stand together with the people of London."

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos offered his country’s solidarity saying Bogota was "standing with the victims and all British people. We reject and condemn the terrorism in London."

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