London terror attack: what we know so far

The investigation into a terrorist attack outside the Houses of Parliament in London is continuing.

Here is what the Guardian has been able to confirm so far: Live London attack: police confirm seven people arrested – live
Police officer named as one of four dead – with two members of public and assailant – in Wednesday’s terrorist attack on London

Five people have died, including a policeman and the attacker.
Approximately 40 other people were injured. Several are still being treated for serious injuries, including two police officers.

The assailant drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing two people, before crashing it outside parliament and trying to enter the complex, armed with a knife.

He stabbed an unarmed police officer who later died from the injuries, before armed police shot him. The police officer was identified as 48-year-old PC Keith Palmer, who had 15 years of service with the parliamentary and diplomatic protection service.

He was a husband and father, police said.

Investigators say they believe they know the identity of the attacker, and that he is thought to have acted alone but was “inspired by international terrorism”. They are investigating possible associates.

Prime minister Theresa May described the attack as “sick and depraved”, but said it would not undermine British values. Parliament will sit as normal on Thursday, she said.

Three French high school students, four British university students and two Romanians were among those injured when the attacker drove into pedestrians.

Five South Korean tourists and a German woman resident in Australia have also been identified as among the wounded.
One woman was thrown or jumped into the Thames from the bridge. She was rescued from the water but had sustained serious injuries.

Minister for counter-terrorism Tobias Ellwood, a former soldier, raced to give first aid to the police officer who later died. Pictures showed him with blood on his face as he administered CPR.

Scotland Yard declared the attack in Westminster, which began at about 2.40pm London time, “a terrorist incident”.
London mayor Sadiq Khan vowed “Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism” in a video statement.

May was evacuated from the parliament building within minutes and driven to Downing Street.
The area was locked down and the Thames closed to all vessels between Vauxhall and Embankment as the Palace of Westminster and nearby buildings were searched by armed police.

Some MPs were confined to the Commons chamber for nearly five hours after parliamentary business was suspended.

World leaders condemned the attack and offered condolences. US president Donald Trump spoke to May, promising the UK the full support of the US government in responding to the attack.

Leaders of Canada, France, Germany and Spain were among others who sent messages of shock and solidarity.

Overnight, a police raid took place in the southwest of Birmingham. It is not clear if it is connected to the attack in London.

Extra police were on duty across London, and the Metropolitan police force set up a casualty bureau for those worried about friends or family.