Four people have been reported dead and at least 40 injured after an attacker drove a car along a pavement around the UK Houses of Parliament Westminster, stabbed a policeman but was shot dead in the parliament grounds.

The Prime Minister Theresa May said, the attack was “sick and depraved” and struck at values of liberty, democracy, and freedom of speech. The acting deputy commissioner and head of counter-terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, Mark Rowley, also said they think they know who he is and that he was inspired by international and Islamist-related terrorism, but disclosed no further information.

The attack occurred at around 14:40 GMT yesterday when the attacker drove a grey Hyundai i40 along a pavement over Westminster Bridge, near the Houses of Parliament in central London. The car then crashed into railings outside the Houses of Parliament, killing four people and injuring many more.

The attacker, who was armed with a knife, ran to Parliament where he was confronted by the police but was shot dead by armed officers after stabbing a police officer, PC Palmer.

Mrs May paid tribute to the police force for their response to the attack, saying: “We will all move forward together, never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart.” She also added, “The location of this attack was no accident. The terrorist chose to strike at the heart of our capital city where people of all nationalities, religions, and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy, and freedom of speech.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “My message to those that want to harm us and destroy our way of life is: You won’t succeed; you won’t divide us; we won’t be cowed by terrorists.” Home Secretary Amber Rudd urged everyone to remain calm but be vigilant and report anything they are concerned about it to the police.

The threat level in the UK has been set at ‘severe’ – meaning an attack is highly likely and it would remain this way for some time, according to the Prime Minister. The Westminster tube station has been closed but it’s still open for interchange only.

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