Seven people have died and more than 40 are injured following an attack on London Bridge last night that police are treating as a terrorist incident.

A Met Police spokesman confirmed they were called to the bridge at 10.08pm to reports that a vehicle had struck pedestrians.

The vehicle continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market.

The suspects then left the vehicle and a number of people were stabbed, including an on-duty British Transport Police officer who was responding to the incident at London Bridge. He received serious but not life-threatening injuries. His family has been informed.

Armed officers responded very quickly and bravely, confronting three male suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market.

The suspects had been confronted and shot by the police within eight minutes of the first call.

The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes.

He said: “The ongoing operation is led by the Met, working closely with British Transport Police, City of London Police, the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

“At this stage, we believe that seven people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. And 48 casualties have been taken to six hospitals across London.

“I’d like to repeat our request for the public to avoid the following areas: London Bridge and Borough Market. This is to allow emergency services to deal with this incident.”

Anybody who has images or film of the incident is encouraged to pass those to police by uploading it at www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk.

Those who are concerned about a loved one can contact the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233.

If you were in central London last night and heard or saw anything, you can also email ramzy.alwakeel@archant.co.uk to speak to the Gazette about your experiences.