Theresa May condemns ‘sick and depraved’ Westminster terror attack that hit the ‘heart of London’
The PM offered her condolences to the victims and their families after a knifeman went on a rampage
PRIME Minister Theresa May has condemned the "sick and depraved" Westminster terror attack that hit the "heart of London".
Speaking outside Downing Street, she offered her condolences to the victims and their families after a knifeman went on a rampage outside Parliament today, killing at least three and injuring 29 others.
She said that the UK would remain at a ";severe" terror threat and that Britain will "never give into terror".
The Prime Minister, who chaired an emergency COBRA meeting, said:
"Following the sick and depraved terrorist attack on the streets of our capital this afternoon.
"The full details are still emerging but having been updated by police and security officials, the attacker killed two people injuring many more including three police officers.
"I can confirm that this appalling incident began when a single attacker drove his vehicle into pedestrians walking over Westminster Bridge, killing two people and injuring many more including three police officers.
"This attacker who was armed with a knife then ran towards Parliament where he was confronted by the police officers who keep us and our democratic institutions safe.
"Tragically one officer was killed. The terrorist was also shot dead."
May added: "The United Kingdom’s threat level has been set at severe for some time and this will not change."
She continued: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected, to the victims themselves and their families and friends who waved their loved ones off but will now not be welcoming them home.
"For those of us who were in Parliament at the time of this attack, these events provide a particular reminder of the exceptional bravery of our police and security services, who risk their lives to keep us safe.
"Once again today, these exceptional men and women ran towards the danger even as they encouraged others to move the other way."
She paid tribute to their "remarkable calmness and professionalism"; in light of losing one of their colleagues.
May 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.
"These streets of Westminster, home to the world's oldest Parliament are ingrained with a spirit of freedom that echoes in some of the furthest corners of the globe.
"And the values are Parliament represents democracy, freedom, human rights, the rule of law, command the admiration and respect of free people everywhere.
"That is why it is a target for those that reject those values.
"But let me make it clear today, as I have had cause to do before, any attempt to defeat those values through violence and terror is doomed to failure.
"Tomorrow morning Parliament will meet as normal, we will come together as normal and Londoners and others from around the world who have come here to visit this great city will get about and go about as normal.
"They will board their trains, they will leave their hotels, they will walk these streets, they will live their lives and we will all move forward together.
"Never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of evil and hate to drive us apart."
The Prime Minster was in the Houses of Parliament when a knifeman ploughed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge at 2.40pm before running into the gates of the palace with a knife.
The suspect stabbed a police officer to death before he was shot and killed by armed cops.
She was bundled into a car and evacuated from Parliament as the area went into lockdown, with MPs, journalists and visitors held inside the building for several hours.
A Downing Street source confirmed this afternoon that Prime Minister Theresa May was "OK".
Mrs May's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister was brought back to Number 10 from Parliament. She is currently monitoring the situation."
Four people have been confirmed dead - including the attacker - and 20 people injured in the incident in central London.
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