MPs and members of the House of Lords have been paying tribute to Keith Palmer, the officer who died today, as well as his colleagues who guard the parliamentary estate:
As I left Parliament a police officer apologised for keeping us waiting. Cannot overstate courage & grace of those who protect us Thank you.
James Cleverly, MP for Braintree, says he knew PC Keith Palmer, the officer killed today, for 25 years. He paid tribute to him on Twitter this evening:
I've known Keith for 25 years. We served together in the Royal Artillery before he became a copper. A lovely man, a friend. I'm heartbroken. https://t.co/LgF4rQ7Vmg
Speaking a short while ago, Met police acting deputy commissioner Mark Rowley said PC Keith Palmer, who was a member of the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command, had given 15 years’ service:
He was someone who left for work today expecting to return home at the end of his shift and he had every right to expect that would happen.
Rowley confirmed that, besides Palmer, three members of the public were killed:
Also, at this stage, but it may change - we believe approximately 40 people were injured, some with serious injuries, including three police officers, two of whom are in a serious condition.
He added:
Terrorists have a clear aim and that is to create discord, distrust and to create fear. The police stand with all communities in the UK and will take action against anyone who seeks to undermine society, especially where their crimes are motivated by hate.
We must recognise now that our Muslim communities will feel anxious at this time given the past behaviour of the extreme right wing and we will continue to work with all community leaders in the coming days.
It’s essential for us to remain vigilant but to also work together – policing and communities – and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to threaten, intimidate and cause fear.
We ask the public to be alert and to report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 0800 789 321, or dialling 999.
Whilst today is an incredibly sad and sombre day, especially for the MPS and everyone affected, it is only right that I mention the pride I feel in the swift and brave response from our officers – especially those who without fear for their own safety had to confront the terrorist.
Police have issued a picture of PC Keith Palmer, the 48-year-old police officer killed at Westminster today. He was a member of the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command and had 15 years’ service in the force.
He said the police believed they knew the identity of the attacker and were working to identify any associates, though he declined to give any further details. He said the man was thought to be inspired by international Islamist-related terrorism.
He added that he recognises Britain’s Muslim communities “will feel vulnerable at this time, given the past actions of right-wing extremists”.
My colleague Heather Stewart has some more information:
Downing Street sources said May spent the afternoon being briefed on the unfolding attack, and chairing a meeting of Cobra, Whitehall’s emergency committee.
Home Office minister Ben Wallace stood in for Amber Rudd, who gave a televised statement on the attack from Pakistan, before boarding a plane back to London.
Alan Duncan represented the Foreign Office, with Boris Johnson absent on a trip to Washington. Others present included health secretary Jeremy Hunt, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and security and police officers.
Both May and Khan are expected to make further public statements on Thursday; but the House of Commons will sit as planned. “The idea is very much business as usual,” the source said.
