Police kill man who killed two in terrorist knife attack on London Bridge

Gunshots have been fired on the London Bridge while London’s Metropolitan Police Service announced that officers were “in the early stages of dealing with an incident at London Bridge.”

Five people were injured by a man wielding a knife who was later shot and killed by armed police officers on the bridge, which had been evacuated. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said, "Police were called at 1.58pm to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge. Emergency services attended, including officers from the Met and City of London Police. A man has been detained by police. We believe a number of people have been injured. Further info to follow."

Police are categorizing the attack as a terror-related incident, which left two civilians dead according to the BBC, however they are unclear about the attacker's motivation. The attacker also wore a hoax explosive vest.

BBC correspondent John McManus said that he heard several shots fired on the bridge. "Just a few minutes ago I was walking across London Bridge on the south bank to the north bank of the bridge," he said. "There appeared to be a fight going on the other side of the bridge, with several men attacking one man. Police then quickly arrived, including armed police, and then a number of shots were fired at this man."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan released a statement saying in part, “The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that as a precaution the horrendous incident at London Bridge is being treated as though its s terrorism-related.”

White House deputy press secretry Judd Deere tweeted, "President Trump has been briefed on this morning’s attack at the London Bridge and is monitoring the situation. The United States strongly condemns all horrific acts of violence on innocent people, and we pledge our full support to our Ally, the United Kingdom.”

He added, “We must — and we will — stay resolute in our determination to stand strong and united in the face of terror. Those who seek to attack us and divide us will never succeed,” while also noting that the bridge remains closed.

The incident comes more than two years after the 2017 terrorist attack which saw three men kill eight people and injure 48 others on the London Bridge.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.