Terrorist attack leaves Notts MPs in Parliament lock-down

Police were called at 2.40pm today, (Wednesday, March 22) to Whitehall after reports of an attack and the latest reports say a police officer was stabbed and the attacker was shot by armed officers.

Political journalists have taken to social media to report after witnessing a security guard being injured, and bodies seen on Westminster Bridge and the BBC reports the attack is being treated as a 'terrorist incident until otherwise'.

A woman has died in hospital and others have been left with what was described as 'catastrophic injuries'.

Sir Alan told the Chad: "We've been locked-down in the chamber, there's about 250-300 people here and we've been told five people were injured by a car and somebody was stabbed.

"It's just what we've been told, but there's been a number of incidents in the Westminster area and it was described as 'suspected terrorist activity'.

"We're all safe here but it's the people outside we're concerned about who aren't safe."

Ashfield MP Gloria de Piero said she was following the development on television from her Westminster office, also on lock down.

Ashfield MP Gloria de Piero was in her office when the incident took place - she offered thoughts to the injured police officer.

She said: "We've been told to stay where we are. I'm assuming all MPs are safe and our thoughts are with the police officer who has been injured. It's a shock, but we're just thinking about the police officers."

Sherwood MP Mark Spencer is also in the Chamber with other members.

He said: "We are locked into the chambers but the police are trained to deal with these situations. The House has been suspended for now but I'm confident we will be able to go about our business soon."

"I'm a bit apprehensive and I sincerely hope any police involved in the operation are unharmed."

Mansfield's MP Sir Alan Meale reported from inside the locked-down Commons chamber that MPs were being told of 'suspected terrorist activity'.

A man with a knife was seen within the confines of the Palace of Westminster, and it is reported that two men were shot outside Parliament after charging the gates and attacking officers. Witnesses say a car mounted the curb 'mowed down' five pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before crashing into the gates outside Portcullis House.