London Bridge knife attack kills 2, suspect shot dead

LONDON

Two people killed in London Bridge knife attack after succumbing to their injuries late Friday, the British Police Department said on Friday.

Two victims died at hospital despite all efforts, while three others are still under treatment, Cressida Dick, commissioner from Metropolitan Police, said.

Earlier, Metropolitan Police said in a statement that the force was called to “a stabbing at a premises near to London Bridge” around 2 p.m.

Emergency services including armed police from Met and London City Police attended the scene shortly after, Neil Basu, assistant commissioner for Specialist Operations said, adding that “a male suspect was shot and died at the scene.”

"A number of other people received injuries during the incident and as soon as we can provide further updates on their condition, we will,” Basu added.

He said it was declared a terrorist incident.

Basu said the counter-terrorism officers are now leading the investigation into the incident.

The bridge and surrounding area have been under complete lockdown since the incident.

Various video footages circulating on the internet show a man has been wrestled down to the ground by members of public and then was shot dead by an armed police.

Basu also said the suspect had “hoax explosive device” strapped around his body.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “anybody involved in this crime and these attacks will be hunted down and will be brought to justice.”

The incident took place a short distance away from the Borough Market, where a terrorist attack killed seven people and injured 48 others in June 2017. A van moved down pedestrians on London Bridge and attackers stabbed victims in Borough Market. They wore fake suicide jackets.

Friday’s attack came a few weeks after the government lowered the terror threat level.

"Public safety is obviously our top priority and we will be enhancing police patrols in the City and across London,” Basu said.

*Burak Bir contributed this report from Ankara