The statement says that “At 07:37hrs on Tuesday 14 August, a silver Ford Fiesta collided with a number of cyclists and pedestrians, before crashing into barriers outside the Houses of Parliament. The driver of the car, a man in his late 20s, was arrested at the scene by armed officers. He has been taken to a south London police station where he remains in police custody.
He was arrested on suspicion of terrorist offences.
There was nobody else in the vehicle, which remains at the scene and is being searched. No weapons have been recovered at this stage. A number of people were injured as a result of the collision and they have been taken to hospital. At this early stage none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening.
“Officers remain at the scene and cordons are in place to assist the investigation. Road closures in the area are likely to remain in place for some time. Westminster Tube station is currently closed.”
“At this stage, we are treating this as a terrorist incident and the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading the investigation.”
“Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation can call 0800 789 321.
The Prime Minister expressed her first reaction through a tweet.
"My thoughts are with those injured in the incident in Westminster and my thanks to the emergency services for their immediate and courageous response." – PM @theresa_may
London’s Mayor said that he’s in constant contact with the police about the matter.
I’m in close contact with @MetPoliceUK Commissioner about the incident at Parliament Square this morning. Thank you to the first responders who were on the scene so quickly.
In the meantime Sky News correspondent reported that the consistent theme from people who witnessed the crash is that this was a deliberate act. “People were shocked by what they saw. The man seems to have been pretty quiet when he was taken out of the car by police, he didn’t shout or create much of a commotion. He is now in custody.
“We know two people have been injured, and after being treated on the scene by London Ambulance, were taken to a hospitals nearby. “Now officers are getting suited up in forensic blue suits, and starting a forensic analysis of the area.”
“Lots of people who work in the area are being advised to steer clear of the area, and some have been advised by bosses to work from home where possible.”
