Major incident in Westminster, breaking news – Police are treating it as terrorism

A major security alert is under way at the Houses of Parliament after a man was shot by police as he tried to gain entry to the Palace of Westminster.

Witnesses described seeing a car crash into the perimeter fence on Westminster Bridge, hitting pedestrians, before the driver ran towards police officers guarding parliament.

Onlookers said a man armed with a knife had attacked police officers at the gate before being shot. One police officer has been stabbed.

At least three shots were heard and people described seeing two people laid on the ground.

There were reports that a car ploughed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge just before the incident leaving up to a dozen injured.

Witnesses described seeing a middle-aged man carrying a knife and running. Jayne Wilkinson said:

“We were taking photos of Big Ben and we saw all the people running towards us, and then there was an Asian guy in about his 40s carrying a knife about seven or eight inches long. And then there were three shots fired, and then we crossed the road and looked over. The man was on the floor with blood. He had a lightweight jacket on, dark trousers and a shirt. He was running through those gates, towards Parliament, and the police were chasing him.”

Sky TV news say the poilce are treating it as one continuous incident. The 4×4 vehicle (a grey Hyundai i40) mounted the pavement on Westminster Bridge, drove along the pavement injuring pedestrians, it crashed into the railings of the Houses of parliament and the driver (maybe other men? not certified) headed for the entrance to Parliament armed with knife and firearms. One witness on the bridge reports seeing people lying on the pavement and a body floating in the water. I’m praying he just saw something else floating.