London attacks latest: Seven dead in London Bridge and Borough Market van and knife terror

The death toll from the terrorist attack in London Bridge has risen to seven and almost 50 were injured, the head of Scotland Yard has revealed.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick condemned the atrocity as "appalling" and "ghastly".

She said police believe there were three attackers at London Bridge and Borough Market and that all had been "neutralised".

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 pictured wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, with police later confirming they were hoaxes.

People were evacuated from the area CREDIT: REUTERS / NEIL HALL 

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.

In addition to seven fatalities, 48 people are being treated in hospital after being injured in the attack.

It is the third terrorist atrocity in Britain in less than three months after the Westminster and Manchester attacks in March and May.

Addressing media outside Scotland Yard, Ms Dick said: "Last night we saw another appalling and tragic incident in London - something we hoped we would not see again."

Meanwhile, the major political parties have suspended national election campaigning after the London Bridge terror attack, as Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee.

After consultation between the parties, national activities were put on hold until Sunday evening at least, with the position set to be reviewed later in the day.

But Ukip broke with the other parties by refusing to suspend its General Election

 campaign, with leader Paul Nuttall warning that stalling the democratic process could lead to more attacks.

Theresa May warns of new trend as 'terrorism breeds terrorism'

Theresa May has just finished her statement.

Here it is in full:

Last night, our country fell victim to a brutal terrorist attack once again.

As a result I have just chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency committee, and I want to update you with the latest information about the attack.

Shortly before 10 past 10 yesterday evening, the Metropolitan Police received reports that a white van had struck pedestrians on London Bridge.

It continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market, where three terrorists left the van and attacked innocent and unarmed civilians with blades and knives.

All three were wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, but the police have established that this clothing was fake and worn only to spread panic and fear.

As so often in such serious situations, the police responded with great courage and great speed. Armed offices from the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police arrived at Borough Market within moments and shot and killed the three suspects.

The terrorists were confronted and shot by armed officers within eight minutes of the police receiving the first emergency call.

Seven people have died as a result of the attack, in addition to the three suspects shot dead by the police. Forty-eight people are being treated in several hospitals across London