IRISH Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has condemned the terrorist attack in London as it is confirmed four people have died and at least 20 are injured.
The Palace of Westminster was evacuated with Parliament on lockdown with MPs in Chambers after a man stormed the palace and stabbed a police officer shortly before 3pm today.
A number of pedestrians were also injured when a vehicle ploughed into the crowd while crossing northbound over Westminster Bridge.
After stabbing a police officer, he was then shot by other police officers.
It’s understood a Northern Irish MP attempted to give first aid to the injured police officer before help arrived.
Emergency services on the scene in Westminster. (Picture: Carl Court/Getty Images)Sources at the scene told The Irish Post that offices facing the street in Portcullis House had been evacuated.
This evening Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said he condemned the attack and announced that as yet, no Irish citizens have been affected.
“I unreservedly condemn the attack outside the Houses of Parliament at Westminster today.
"I deplore the loss of life, and note that the casualties include a police officer killed in the line of duty.
"I wish to extend my condolences and on behalf of my Government, my support to the people of London and the Britain.
"Terror and violence will never triumph over democracy.
“The Irish Embassy and my Department have been active in London, and at this time we have no reason to believe that any Irish citizens have been affected or are persons over whom there are concerns.
"Anyone concerned about family members in London should contact my Department on 01 408 2000, or the Embassy in London on 0044 207 235 2171.”
Assistant Commissioner, Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan Police makes a statement outside of New Scotland Yard. (Picture: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)Speaking earlier outside New Scotland Yard, Mark Rowley, the national lead officer for Counter Terrorism said: "As you know we have declared this a terrorist incident and the Counter Terrorism Command are carrying out a full scale investigation into the events today.
"Sadly - I can now confirm that four people have died.
"That includes a policeman who was protecting Parliament from the attack and one man we believe to be the attacker who was shot by a police firearms officer.
"The officer's family have been made aware.
"At least 20 people have been injured.
"My thoughts are with all those who have been affected by today's attack - and as a service we have lost one of our own as he acted to protect the public and his colleagues.
"This is a day that we had planned for - that we all hoped would never happen - but sadly it is now a reality."
Metropolitan Police have now opened a Casualty Bureau which can be contacted on 0800 056 0944 in Britain or +44 207 158 0010.
