Theresa May praises emergency services as police probe suspected Westminster terror attack
2 min read
Theresa May has heaped praise on the "courageous" emergency services as police confirmed that they are treating a car crash outside the Houses of Parliament as a suspected terrorist attack.
The Prime Minister said: "My thoughts are with those injured in the incident in Westminster and my thanks to the emergency services for their immediate and courageous response."
Downing Street meanwhile announced that an emergency Cobra meeting of security officials would discuss the "suspected terrorist incident" this afternoon.
A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of terrorist offences after the silver Ford Fiesta he was driving hit cyclists and pedestrians before crashing into security barriers outside the Houses of Parliament.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that its Counter Terrorism Command is now leading the probe into the incident, with the suspect currently in detention at a south London police station.
A Met spokesperson added: "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."
Police remain at the scene of the incident, with cordons still in place around Whitehall and Westminster.
Westminster Tube station has also been closed in the aftermath of the crash, and police are urging the public to "remain vigilant".
A string of politicians from across party lines joined the Prime Minister in paying tribute to the response by the emergency services.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "My thoughts are with those hurt and injured outside Parliament this morning in what is being treated as a terrorist incident. Our thanks go to our emergency services who responded immediately. Their bravery keeps us safe day in, day out."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that he was in "close contact" with the head of the Met Police about the incident, adding: "Thank you to the first responders who were on the scene so quickly."
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran meanwhile said: "Thank you to the emergency services for containing it so quickly."
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