We are shocked and saddened by the incident at Westminster. We condemn this attack and while it is still too early to speculate on the motives, our thoughts and prayers are for the victims and those affected. We pay tribute too to the police and emergency services who handled this with bravery. The Palace of Westminster is the centre of our democracy and we must all ensure that it continues to serve our country and its people with safety and security.
The Speaker of the House of Commons and the Speaker of the House of Lords have issued a statement:
An extremely serious incident has occurred in the Westminster area this afternoon. The Metropolitan police is dealing with this and an investigation is under way.
On behalf of members of both Houses of Parliament, we wish to offer our thoughts to all those affected and their families.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the police and all emergency services.
The journalists who were in the press gallery are now being held in Westminster Hall. Armed police seem to be searching the Palace of Westminster room by room – quite an undertaking, because it’s a rabbit warren, with endless cellars, cubby holes, etc. And I’ve just seen a team go into the room where the Westminster Hall chamber is, guns raised as if they were on the alert. We’re told that they believe there may still be one suspect on the loose.
The French prime minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, has confirmed that a number of French students were among casualties on Westminster Bridge.
Some witnesses said a group of French students were present.
Unconfirmed French media reports also state that students were present on Westminster Bridge at the time of the attack and that three have been hospitalised. There are no details as to their condition.
Journalist Polly Boiko tweeted:
Group of French students said have been among those hit by attackers' car on Westminster Bridge #londonattack
The Labour MP Clive Efford wrote the following tribute to the work of those in the House of Commons:
Estimate about three to four hundred MPs on lockdown together in the HoCs. We’re huddling around TVs in the voting lobbies to find out what is going on.
There is a calm quietness around the place. We all knew a day like could come.
One of our police officers guarding the Palace of Westminster has been stabbed and have just heard the terrible news that a person has died.
Our thoughts go out to those who have been injured and the family of the person who has died.
The staff and police of the House of Commons are doing a fantastic job. They know that this building is very high on the list as a possible terrorist target which puts them at risk. They have been calmly going about their business and are showing complete dedication throughout this incident. They deserve a great deal of praise. We are all extremely grateful to them.
We’ve closed our GuardianWitness callout for eyewitness accounts as the Metropolitan police is asking for witnesses to share images and video with them. If you have any information here’s the link.
The Port of London Authority has confirmed that a seriously injured woman has been recovered from the Thames river.
Spokesman Martin Garside said:
A female member of the public was recovered alive from the water, but with serious injuries. She has been brought ashore and is undergoing urgent medical treatment. The working assumption is that she fell or jumped from the bridge.
He added:
The river is completely shut between Vauxhall Bridge and the Embankment. It was shut down almost immediately.
A police officer has just come into the Guardian office in the Commons. Journalists are being asked to leave the press gallery, and the police don’t know if, or when, we will be allowed back. That means this blog will now be in the hands of my colleague Alexandra Topping.
