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Terror at Westminster

Man stabs a police officer outside Britain's parliament after driving into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, four die and 20 injured; May evacuated

Just as Brussels was mourning the dead in last year's attacks in the Belgian capital, terror stuck again in Europe. This time it was in London, at the very heart of the modern democratic system, the British Houses of Parliament at Westminster.

Shortly after two-thirty yesterday afternoon, a man drove a utility vehicle at high speed across the Westminster Bridge, which connects the souther and norther part of the city, divided by the Thames River. It is one of the most popular tourist areas of the capital, near with th London Eye on one side of the river and the Parliament snd Westminster Abby on the other. Before reaching the other side he had careened into passersby, including a group of French students and others, killing two and injuring 20 more. At least two of those remain in a critical condition.

On arrival at the gates of Parliament he drove directly into the security barriers and managed to get as far as the trade entrance when he was forced to leave the vehicle. Armed with a knife, he attacked and killed a police officer who was attempting to stop him. The attacker was shot dead by police. At the time, Parliament was sitting and the PM, Theresa May, was evacuated by helicopter, later returning to talk to rescue workers and security agents. May praised the “exceptional bravery of the police and security agents” in dealing with the situation. She also said the attack was “a direct threat to democracy”. Police belive the attacker acted alone although Scotland Yard and anti-terrorist agents have increased security in Central London. The attack has been condemned by leaders around the world.

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