The attack in London Bridge has been declared as a terrorist incident, and that the man shot was wearing what police thought was an explosive device.
In a statement from Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations Neil Basu, he said that the devise was however a hoax.
He said: “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.”
The police were called at 1:58pm to a stabbing at a premises near to the bridge on the north side.
City of London police and emergency services attended.
The Assistant Commissioner said: “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.”
Police said earlier that a ‘number of people were stabbed.
And dramatic footage has emerged of what appears to be heroic members of the public wrestling a man to the ground. But the police have now asked nothing is broadcast or published which would identify the police firearms officers involved.
Neil Basu appealed to those with footage to get in touch: “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 www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk
Other footage shows people fleeing the area in horrifying likeness to the terror attacks of June 1017.
Neil Basu added: “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.”
London Bridge remains closed and the station and surrounding buildings in the area have been evacuated.
Neil Basu said: “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.”
School have also been on lock-down in Southwark, St Michael’s College in nearby Bermondsey, nearly two miles from London Bridge sent an email to parents saying:
“I have just been advised by the police to be aware of a serious incident that has just taken place on London Bridge this afternoon.
“There is no direct threat to our safety but they have advised me all students and staff must remain in school until they tell me that it is safe for them travel home, therefore we will be following the college Lockdown procedure and no one will be admitted to the school or allowed to leave until we have received the all clear from the police.”
The Assistant Commissioner finished his statement saying: “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.
Southwark Council have tweeted: If today’s major incident on London Bridge brings back painful memories of the terrorist attack in 2017, there is a range of support available. Please visit the website for more information bit.ly/2t5NAtp