SEVEN people have been killed and 48 injured after three men attacked with a van and knives in London last night.

The Metropolitan Police has arrested 12 people in connection with the incident, following a raid on a block of flats in East London this morning.

The killings on Saturday night were the second terrorist atrocity to hit the country in as many weeks after 22 were killed at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

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Attackers brought carnage to the streets of the capital, stabbing a police officer and revellers with 12-inch knives, reportedly shouting "this is for Allah".

The trio were seen wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, with Scotland Yard later confirming these were fake.

Three suspects were killed by armed police officers.

Earlier today armed police raided a block of flats in East London after receiving a tip-off from neighbours.

At least four police vans were stationed behind a cordon outside the Elizabeth Fry flats in King's Road, Barking, and residents reported hearing bangs.

Some neighbours said a photograph of one of the attackers resembled a man who lived in one of the flats.

Veronica Oladapo, 45, who lives in the neighbouring Forresters Apartments, said she left her building at around 7am to see police taking four men and a woman away.

She said she saw two men and a woman being taken away by ambulance after other neighbours reported hearing shots fired, while two men were later led away by police.

She said: "When I came out they were already taking some of the casualties away.

"There were three of them ... the ambulance came and took them away.

"There were another two sitting down inside."

One of the men had a hood pulled over his head while another one used a jacket to hide his face, she said.

Damien Pettit, who lives in the same block in east London, was shown a photo of one of the alleged attackers.

He told Sky News he could not be certain it was the same person, but that it looked like a man who had lived in the block for three years.

Mr Pettit said: "If it is, I am completely shocked. He was lived here for three years.

"He is a member of the community, it very much is that, a very affable person so it is a complete shock."

Adding that the man he knew had children, he continued: "I am kind of absorbing this at the moment because I can't understand how it could have been him."

More than five hours after the first arrests, a woman in a burka was led into a police van parked outside the flats.

It then drove away with sirens blazing, followed by three other vans.

Here is a recap of how the terror unfolded:

  • Police were called at around 10.08pm to reports of a vehicle striking pedestrians on London Bridge
  • The white van then continued to drive to Borough Market
  • Three men then left the vehicle and began to stab people, including a British Transport Police Officer
  • The suspects were confronted and shot by police at Borough Market within eight minutes of the first call being made

Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle travelling at about 50mph strike people walking along the pavement.

Holly Jones, a BBC reporter who was at London Bridge, said: "A white van driver came speeding - probably about 50mph - veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement.

"He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind."

Witness Eric described the terror attack as a "rampage".

He told BBC Radio 5 Live he saw three people get out the van and initially believed they were going to help those who had been injured.

He said: "The three people literally started kicking them, punching them, and took out knives. It was a rampage really."

Another witness called Gerard said the suspects stabbed a series of people near Borough Market and shouted, "This is for Allah".

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation hospital said it was "on lockdown" to keep patients, relatives and staff safe, while a picture on social media showed armed police outside the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street, where the walking wounded were reportedly taken.

London Ambulance Service Assistant Director of Operations Peter Rhodes said: "We took 48 patients to five hospitals across London and treated a number of others at the scene for minor injuries."

Police have opened a casualty bureau line for people concerned about loved ones on 0800 0961 233.

The attack has received widespread condemnation from political leaders, with London mayor Sadiq Khan calling it "deliberate and cowardly".

He said: "This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night.

"I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts."

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."

Michael Lane, the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Amidst the horror of London last night, there are three things I would like to share to set some reassuring local context about our communities.

“At 2200 last night I left an immensely engaging, hospitable event, ‘IFTAR Under the Stars’ - led by the Muslim community, including other faiths, community leaders and young people - it was just what vibrant, inclusive community should look like. The horror but minutes later would not be in their name.

“It will always be right for members of the public to report concerns via 999, 101 or the Anti-Terrorist confidential hotline number 0800 789 321.

"As the Metropolitan Police Commissioner reinforced in her statement, any concern reported could be a contribution, or even the key, to allowing the security forces to interdict other potential terrorist or criminal acts.

“Thirdly, yesterday was a Hampshire Constabulary Families Day for policing - a reinforcing day for the police, emergency services and their families - demonstrating the truth of their being members of our communities, with the same family priorities and ties, as we all have - but with the particular motivation and commitment at work to keep us safe.

“Today, my thoughts, and those I am sure of the communities I serve, will be with all those affected by the events in London last night.”