The Metropolitan Police said at a press briefing Friday that the knifeman on London Bridge shot dead by police was wearing a hoax suicide vest. The incident is now being treated as a terror attack. Police have yet to release the number of people wounded in the attack, but they have confirmed several were stabbed. Outraged citizens jumped the knifeman, subduing and disarming him as police arrived on the scene. Police cleared the citizens before shooting the knifeman. Two shots can be heard in videos of the incident.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said, “I can confirm at this time we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device.”
Screen image shows a faint puff of smoke in front of his head as London police shoot terror suspect.
Unsourced photo via Twitter shows police still on alert after shooting knifeman.
https://twitter.com/mehar_sher/status/1200462861220352001
UPDATE: Another unsourced photo taken after police stood down shows a second knife several feet away from his body.
Video of police briefing:
Police statement: AC Neil Basu gives statement on #LondonBridge incident. 29.11.19 https://t.co/890GWzIVhJ
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 29, 2019
The BBC reported an eyewitness described the knifeman as a “tall, bearded man” wearing a vest.
10:51 (EST) Eyewitness: ‘He had some sort of vest on’
Karen Bosch was travelling on a bus southbound over London Bridge when “it came to a sudden stop because there were people running across the road”.
“It looked like there was a fight going on, there were people tussling with one each other and then I realised it was police wrestling with one tall, bearded man”.
She told the BBC News Channel she heard “two loud pops and also saw a spent taser, and then the guy was lying on the floor.
“He then pulled his coat back which showed he had some sort of vest underneath… The police then moved backwards away quickly”.
Videos of incident:
(VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED AGAIN) Different angle of the ongoing incident at London Bridge. Police can be heard yelling at civilians to “get back” before firing shots. Bravery shown by the public is jaw-dropping. Credit to Brendan Lacey #LondonBridge pic.twitter.com/ganE1jtnBi
— Harvey Bateman (@Harvey_Bman) November 29, 2019
Please stay away from #LondonBridge! I just saw a man with a knife being shot in the head by police. Please be careful London! pic.twitter.com/BotIffaLJ0
— Hand Luggage Only (@HLOBlog) November 29, 2019
Previous TGP report at this link.
Statement from Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations Neil Basu following the incident in London Bridge earlier today:
“I can confirm that at approximately 2pm today, Friday, 29 November, police were called to a stabbing at a premises near to London Bridge, EC1.
“Emergency services attended, including officers from the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police.
“A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London Police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene.
“A number of other people received injuries during the incident and as soon as we can provide further updates on their condition, we will. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those anxiously awaiting news from loved ones.
“As you would expect, due to the nature of the incident, we responded as though it was terrorist-related. I am now in a position to confirm that it has been declared a terrorist incident. We are working jointly with the City of London Police as we continue to respond.
“Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are now leading this investigation. I must stress, however, that we retain an open mind as to any motive. It would not be appropriate to speculate further at this time.
“Due to reports that the suspect may have had an explosive device, specialist officers also attended the scene and wide cordons are in place to ensure there remains no further danger to the public.
“However, I can confirm that at this time, we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device. Officers continue to carry out meticulous searches in the area to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public.
“Those extensive cordons will remain in place for a considerable time and I would ask the public please continue to avoid the area.
“Public safety is obviously our top priority and we will be enhancing police patrols in the City and across London.
“I would ask anyone with information, image or footage of the incident that this be shared with our investigation team to do so on the UK Police Image appeal website. I would also ask the public to “continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns they have to police.”
+ Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation can call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency call 999.
Anyone who may have footage or images of the incident is asked to send them to police via: www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk
