London Bridge: Police shoots down man wearing 'hoax explosive device'

London police, on Friday, shot a male accused who was wearing a "hoax explosive device" and was suspected of stabbing several people at London Bridge, to death. police, who were called in response to attack at premises at 2 pm, described incident as a terror attack. 

Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations at Metropolitan Police Neil Basu, speaking about incident, said, "A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London Police and I can confirm that this suspect died at scene. Emergency services attended, including officers from City of London Police and Metropolitan Police,"

A number of people were injured during attack

He, while confirming subsequent consequences of incident, said that a "number of people" sustained injuries during attack. He told media that updates about ir conditions will be given soon. Basu also said, "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those anxiously awaiting news from loved ones."

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He furr ded, "Due to nature of incident, we responded as though it was terrorist-related. I am w in a position to confirm that it has been declared a terrorist incident. We are working jointly with City of London Police as we continue to respond."

"I can confirm that at this time, we believe a device that was strapped to body of suspect is a hoax explosive device. Officers continue to carry out meticulous searches in area to ensure re is outstanding threat to public," UK's top counter-terrorism officer continued.

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He, while ding to existing information about incident, said that specialist officers attended scene due to reports that suspect may have h an explosive device and underlined that wide cordons are in place to ensure that public is t harmed.

"Those extensive cordons will remain in place for a considerable time and I would ask public please continue to avoid area. Officers from Met's Counter Terrorism Command are w leing this investigation. I must stress, however, that we retain an open mind as to any motive. It would t be appropriate to speculate furr at this time," Basu said.

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He furr urged people to share information, im or foot of attack on UK Police Im appeal website. "I would also ask public to continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns y have to police," Basu said, ding that public safety is a top priority and police patrols will be enhanced across London.

In connection with incident, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that he is "being kept updated on incident at London Bridge and want to thank police and all emergency services for ir immediate response".

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(With ANI Inputs)