Prime Minister Theresa May said the national threat level in the UK will remain “severe” as she condemned the “sick and depraved” terror attack in London on Wednesday – the worst in a decade – that left several people dead and injured.
In a speech last night, May narrated the details of the incident that the government knows so far. She said the lone attacker drove his vehicle into pedestrians walking across Westminster Bridge. Armed with a knife, the assailant then ran towards Parliament where he was confronted by law enforcers. The terrorist was shot dead while a police officer was also killed.
“The United Kingdom’s threat level has been set at severe for some time and this will not change,” May said.
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Following May’s speech, Mark Rowley, acting deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, told the media that three members of the public were also killed, bringing the death toll to five as of Wednesday night. He said about 40 people of different nationalities were injured, including several police officers, two of whom are in serious condition.
Rowley said they have identified the assailant, but refused to reveal his name as the investigation is still ongoing.
“But our working assumption is he was inspired by international terrorism,” Rowley said, adding later that he was referring to Islamic terrorism.
Rowley said hundreds of police officers are involved in the probe. Police visibility and operations have also been increased across the UK, which will continue “for as long as is needed,” he added.
“Attack remains highly likely,” Rowley said, echoing May’s statement that the UK threat level will remain “severe.”
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