Prime minister gives statement following attacks in London today

The attacker mowed down pedestrians with his car on Westminster Bridge then rushed at the gates in front of the houses of parliament, stabbing a policeman before being shot dead.

The armed officer died along with two pedestrians who were on the bridge.

Theresa May, who was in parliament at the time of the attack earlier today, praised the bravery of police officers who shot and killed the attacker as he sought another victim.

And she said that any attempt to defeat the values that parliament stands for was ‘doomed to failure’.

Speaking outside Downing Street Mrs May said: ‘The UK’s threat level has been set at severe for some time and this will not change.

‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected - to the victims and their family and friends who waved their loved ones off but will not now be welcoming them home.

‘For those of us who were in parliament at the time of this attack these events provide a particular reminder of the exceptional bravery of our police and security services who risk their lives to keep us safe.

‘Once again today these exceptional men and women ran towards the danger even as they encouraged others to move the other way.

‘The location of this attack was no accident. The terrorists chose to strike at the heart of our capital city, where people of all nationalities, religions and cultures come together to celebrate the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech.

‘But let me make it clear today, as I have had cause to do before: any attempt to defeat those values through violence and terror is doomed to failure.’