London Bridge incident confirmed as terror attack, suspect shot dead at the scene

(Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

A SPOKESPERSON for Scotland Yard has read out a statement regarding the incident on London Bridge earlier today.

In the statement, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu confirms that Metropolitan and City of London police were called to a stabbing "at a premises near to London Bridge" at approximately 2pm today, and that the subject was shot by specialist armed forces and died at the scene.

Police forces had earlier reported that they were treating the incident as a terrorist attack as a precaution, but Mr Basu has now officially declared it as such, saying "I’m now in a position to confirm that it has been declared a terrorist incident", however he stressed that "it would be inappropriate to speculate further at this time" with regards to a motive.

The Assistant Commissioner also revealed that the "vest device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device".

A number of people were stabbed during the attack, with five casualties confirmed, however a further update on their condition is not yet available.

Mr Basu acknowledged the anxiety felt by people at this time, saying: "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everybody who’s been involved in this and is anxiously waiting for information on their loved ones", adding that "as soon as we can get that information we will get it to you".

While the explosive device strapped to the body of the suspect was confirmed to be a hoax, Assistant Commissioner Basu said that officers will continue to carry out searches in the area "to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public".

The public have been asked to stay away from the area.

Police patrols will now be enhanced across the UK following the terrorist attack, with Mr Basu asking anyone with information, images or footage of the incident to share it with the UK Police Image Appeal Website.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also commented on the incident, where he stressed the important of standing "strong and united in the face of terror.

"Those who seek to attack us and divide us will never succeed".