LONDON (AP) — London police officers shot and killed a suspect after at least three people were stabbed Sunday in what authorities are investigating as a terror attack. One person suffered life-threatening injuries.
The attack in the Streatham neighborhood of south London, a bustling residential area that doesn’t boast any major British landmarks like areas hit by earlier attacks.
“The circumstances are being assessed; the incident has been declared as terrorist-related,” police said.
Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots just after 2 p.m.
Social media showed multiple ambulances on the scene and helicopters in the air as helicopters responded to the incident.
Police warned people to stay out of the area.
Gulled Bulhan, a 19-year-old student from Streatham, told Britain’s Press Association that he witnessed the attack.
“I was crossing the road when I saw a man with a machete and silver canisters on his chest being chased by what I assume was an undercover police officer - as they were in civilian clothing,? he said. “The man was then shot. I think I heard three gun shots but I can’t quite remember.
Bulhan said he ran into a local library to seek safety.
“From the library I saw a load of ambulances and armed police officers arrive on the scene,” he said.
The Prime Minister has expressed his concern for those injured in the terror-related incident in south-east London.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Thank you to all emergency services responding to the incident in Streatham, which the police have now declared as terrorism-related.”
Isobel Frodsham/PA via AP