Closing summary
Here is a summary of the major updates from the terror attack in Streatham, south London:
- Convicted terror offender Sudesh Amman has been named as the man responsible for the knife attack in Streatham, south London. He had been released from prison as recently as a week ago after being jailed for more than three years for disseminating terrorist material and collecting information useful for terrorism. He was under active police surveillance at the time of his attack.
- Two people, a man and a woman, were stabbed in the attack. The man, in his 40s, remains in hospital were he is no longer in a life-threatening condition. The woman, in her 50s, has been discharged from hospital. A second woman, in her 20s, was injured by glass following the discharge of a police firearm. She is being treated in hospital.
- Boris Johnson is due to announce ‘fundamental changes’ to the system for dealing with convicted terror offenders tomorrow. Home secretary Priti Patel told BBC News that the measures will “build upon the actions we have put in place very swiftly in terms of investing in counter-terror police; overhauling the licensing conditions and the licensing regime around counter terrorism offenders; and ending the early release of terror offenders”.
Updated
Anthony Stevens, who was a neighbour of Amman’s family for 18 years, told Sky News the terrorist became angrier as he grew up and was “easily led”.
Mr Stevens says he would play out “Islamic terror ranting” from his room and there was always noise and trouble in the house.
He said the attacker also grew cannabis in the loft, and that the family left the house before Christmas.
Boris Johnson’s statement on the attack:
Prime Minister @BorisJohnson's statement on today's terrorist incident in Streatham. pic.twitter.com/yZPOpbim2r
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) February 2, 2020
Streatham attacker had ‘fascination with dying in the name of terrorism’
The man shot dead by police after he stabbed two people in London on Sunday left prison only days ago and had previously been noted by police as having a “fascination with dying in the name of terrorism”, it has emerged.
Here is the latest from my colleagues Vikram Dodd, Dan Sabbagh and Rajeev Syal on suspected Streatham attacker Sudesh Amman:
BBC News asked home secretary Priti Patel about the “fundamental changes” to the system for dealing with convicted terror offenders she is due to announce tomorrow.
“I’m not going to comment on those measures right now. We will announce those measures tomorrow,” she said.
“Those measures will build upon the actions we have put in place very swiftly in terms of investing in counter-terror police; overhauling the licensing conditions and the licensing regime around counter terrorism offenders; and ending the early release of terror offenders.
“It’s right that these individuals are kept behind bars.”
Updated
Streatham attack victim no longer in a 'life-threatening condition' – police
The police have provided an update on the victims’ condition:
One man, in his 40s, is no longer in considered to be in a life-threatening condition.
One woman, in her 50s, had non-life threatening injuries and has now been discharged from hospital.
Another woman, in her 20s, who had minor injuries following the discharge of a police firearm is still being treated.
Updated
A private ambulance has arrived at Becmead Avenue, Streatham, to take the body away from the scene, PA Media reports.
Streatham attack the latest in a growing list of terror incidents in UK
The attack in Streatham, in which a suspect stabbed two people before being shot dead by the police, is the latest in a line of terror incidents in the UK.
Here is a list of others in recent years:
Martin Jones, chief executive of the Parole Board, has said that he believes Sudesh Amman was released from prison automatically without an assessment.
My understanding at this stage is that the individual was released automatically without a Parole Board assessment.
— Martin Jones (CEO) (@jones_martinw) February 2, 2020
The Streatham attack suspect, Sudesh Amman, had been a student at North West London College at the time he was jailed in December 2018.
The Old Bailey heard that he jotted down how to make explosives and outlined his “goal” to be a martyr in a notebook.
Officers at the scene in Streatham High Road said stranded residents are being offered temporary accommodation inside the Odeon cinema in the cordon, PA Media reports.
They added that workers at Lambeth Council are inside looking after those affected.
At the time of Sudesh Amman’s trial, prosecutor Kelly Brocklehurst said: “Much of his fascination with conducting an attack was focused on using a knife but reference was also made to committing acid attacks on mopeds.
“The Crown contends that the defendant’s interest in Islamic extremism and Daesh (Isis) in particular is more than a mere immature fascination with the taboo and with graphic violence. He is clearly someone with sincerely held and concerning ideological beliefs which motivate him to collect and disseminate such material.”
Updated
Suspect had been ‘recently released from prison’ – Whitehall sources
Whitehall sources said the suspect had been very recently released from prison where he had been serving a sentence for the possession and distribution of extremist material.
It is understood that he left prison just a matter of days ago after serving half of his more-than-three-year sentence.
A Whitehall source said: “He was under surveillance, that is what allowed police to do their job so quickly. It could have been much worse than it was.
“There had been concerns when he was in prison but there were no powers for any authority to keep him behind bars.
“There was nothing that could be done to keep him behind bars under existing laws, hence why he was under surveillance and strict licencing conditions.
“He had served half of his sentence, which was more than three years, so had to be released despite concerns over his conduct.
“The public will look at this case and say why was this individual not kept behind bars and the Prime Minister shares that view.
“This shines a light on something that clearly needs addressing.”
The PM’s plans to crack down on early release would not have applied to this individual because the current plans only apply to more violent offences.
The Prime Minister is expected tomorrow to come forward with new plans to deal further with terrorist offenders.
The concerns about the man’s behaviour behind bars included ‘language that suggested he continued to hold extremist views’.
A Whitehall source said that the ‘very stringent’ licensing conditions included a curfew.
Updated
Forensic specialists recovered more than 349,000 media files from Amman’s laptop, mobile phone and other digital devices.
The BBC reported at the time that the documents included a bomb-making manual and a guide called “Bloody Brazilian Knife Fightin’ Techniques”.
Updated
At the time of his conviction, acting commander Alexis Boon, then head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, said Amman had a “fierce interest in violence and martyrdom”.
Boon said: “His fascination with dying in the name of terrorism was clear in a notepad we recovered from his home. Amman had scrawled his ‘life goals’ in the notepad and top of the list, above family activities, was dying a martyr and going to ‘Jannah’ - the afterlife.
“It’s not clear how Amman became radicalised but it is apparent from his messages that it had been at least a year in development. Whatever the circumstances, this case is a reminder of the need to be vigilant to signs of radicalisation and report it.”
Streatham attacker Sudesh Amman is believed to have been released from prison as recently as a week ago.
In 2018, the Old Bailey heard that he had declared a wish to carry out a terror attack, the Independent reported at the time.
He had also stockpiled a combat knife, air gun and black flag at his family home in London.
He was arrested be counter-terror police in May 2018, following an investigation into his online activities.
They were tipped off by a Dutch blogger who came across extremist material in a chat on the encrypted Telegram messaging app.
This included a photo of a knife and two guns on top a black Islamist flag, with the caption “armed and ready April 3” overlaid in Arabic.
Attacker was convicted terror offender Sudesh Amman
Vikram Dodd and Dan Sabbagh
It is understood that the man police are investigating over the attack on Streatham High Street is Sudesh Amman, released recently after being convicted of a terrorism offence.
Amman was jailed at the age of 18 in 2018 for disseminating terrorist material and collecting information useful for terror attacks. He admitted 13 terror offences.
A college student at the time of his arrest, he had shared an al-Qaeda magazine in a family WhatsApp group and told his siblings: “the Islamic State is here to stay”. Jailed for three years and four months, he had only recently been released from prison.
Amman also shared beheadings videos to his girlfriend - whom he said should kill her “kuffar” (unbelieving) parents
Updated
PM to announce ‘fundamental changes’ to system for dealing with terror offence convicts
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has released the following statement:
My thoughts are with the injured victims and their loved ones following today’s horrific attack in Streatham.
I want to pay tribute to the speed and bravery of the police who responded and confronted the attacker – preventing further injuries and violence – and all of the emergency services who came to the aid of others.
An investigation is taking place at pace to establish the full facts of what happened, and the government will provide all necessary support to the police and security services as this work goes on.
Following the awful events at Fishmonger’s Hall in December, we have moved quickly to introduce a package of measures to strengthen every element of our response to terrorism – including longer prison sentences and more money for the police.
Tomorrow, we will announce further plans for fundamental changes to the system for dealing with those convicted of terrorism offences.
A reporter from ITV said he saw one female victim of the Streatham attack leave hospital in Tooting:
Just witnessed one female victim of #Streatham attack being discharged from @StGeorgesTrust hospital in Tooting. She walked out, surrounded by loved ones, who said 'she is going to be ok'
— Ivor Bennett (@IvorBennett) February 2, 2020
Updated
My colleagues Caroline Davies and Sarah Marsh have been speaking to witnesses on Streatham High Road this evening.
One student, who lived in Streatham, was crossing the road when he saw the attacker being chased. He had “a machete and silver canisters on his chest”, said the 19-year-old, who did not want to be named.
Read their full report:
Updated
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham, has said that Lambeth Council will be providing support to anyone who witnessed the incident.
Lambeth Council will be providing services for those who witnessed today's horrific incident. I will update with the details
— Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (@BellRibeiroAddy) February 2, 2020
Charity Victim Support also has a helpline for anyone affected:
If you've been affected by the incident on #Streatham High Road and need support, please contact our free 24/7 Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111https://t.co/UhTcjEBdtD
— Victim Support (@VictimSupport) February 2, 2020
The attacker was ‘in his early 20s’ – eyewitness
Karker Tahir, 28, was working in a Streatham High Street barbershop when he heard “three gunshots and a man running, with screams behind him”.
Describing the attacker, who police confirmed was wearing a hoax suicide vest, he said:
The attacker was in his early 20s. He had long hair and was a young man. I didn’t see any victims but I did see people running, and we had to leave the area. I was with a customer when the police came and said everyone stand back. They said we had to evacuate because he had a vest which could explode.
Updated
Here is a map of the area.
Footage circulating on Twitter appears to show a Streatham High Road cafe being evacuated by a police officer earlier today.
“Sorry guys you’re going to have to close we’ve got to evacuate I’m afraid,” the officer said. “There’s been a terrorist incident.”
A Life Cafe worker responds asking for half an hour more time.
The officer responded: “Madam, a terrorist has been shot dead just down there, they’ve got a possible IED vest on them, which is a bomb, if you want to stay here for half an hour and put peoples’ lives in danger, then be my guest.
“Please listen to me and please make your way out of the shop.”
Police: “Sorry guys. You need to close. We need to evacuate - there’s been a terror incident just down the street.”
— Claire Stephenson (@The_Write_Type) February 2, 2020
Cafe staff: “Just give us half an hour because people have to eat.”
🤦🏻♀️ #Streatham pic.twitter.com/O3RmYImQKC
Updated
Police confirm suspect wore hoax device
Lucy D’Orsi, the Met’s deputy assistant commissioner for specialist operations, has said the following:
At approximately 2pm on Sunday two people were stabbed in Streatham High Road, Lambeth.
As part of a proactive Counter Terrorism operation, armed officers were in immediate attendance and shot a male suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A third person also received minor injuries – believed to have been caused by glass following the discharge of the police firearm.
A device was found strapped to the body of the suspect and specialist officers attended.
Cordons were put in place and it was quickly established that this was a hoax device.
Three victims have been taken to south London hospitals. One man is being treated as life-threatening, one woman has non-life threatening injuries and another woman has minor injuries.
My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this time.
The situation has been contained and officers from the Met’s counter-terrorism command are now leading an investigation into the incident. The incident was quickly declared as a terrorist incident and we believe it to be Islamist-related.
Updated
Attacker was under surveillance and the subject of investigation
The Streatham attacker was under active surveillance, and was well known to the counter-terror authorities, the Guardian understands. He was also the subject of a live investigation.
For someone to be under active surveillance requires the highest level of resources, and would only be used those against posing the most serious risk - and potentially planning an attack.
My colleague Nicholas Williams has this video report on what we know so far about today’s terror-related attack.
The home secretary, Priti Patel, and the PM’s chief political aide, Dominic Cummings, have arrived at 10 Downing Street to receive an operational briefing from Scotland Yard, according to Sky News reporter Joe Pike:
VIDEO: The PM’s chief aide Dominic Cummings has just arrived back at No 10.
— Joe Pike (@joepike) February 2, 2020
No response from him to #Streatham terror attack.
He took off his boots on the doorstep: pic.twitter.com/mWF5VVTZfR
Updated
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The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has posted his thanks to those who have been dealing with the terror-related incident in London on Sunday:
My thoughts go out to those injured and affected by the incident in Streatham. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their dedication and quick response.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 2, 2020
Updated
Questions for investigators if attacker was under surveillance
While the immediate and urgent focus of the emergency services after the stabbings in south London will be the victims, the police and MI5 will swiftly be reviewing what they knew about the perpetrator, amid speculation that he was under surveillance at the time.
If that is true, then investigators could face searching questions. Putting someone under surveillance is not done lightly, and for good reason. It would require a senior officer in the Metropolitan Police to authorise “directed” surveillance in a public place, or possibly the home secretary to sign a warrant to allow more intrusive surveillance of an individual at their home, or their workplace.
Read the full story:
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham, is now at the scene of today’s attack:
Currently at the scene of the attack on Streatham High Rd. Police have assured me this is an isolated incident and things are under control. Thank you to all of the emergency services for their incredible efforts today.
— Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (@BellRibeiroAddy) February 2, 2020
Three people were injured, one man and two women, according to initial reports.
Police have said that one person is in hospital in a life-threatening condition. A second is in a non life-threatening condition, while the third person has been treated for minor injuries.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham, told LBC radio:
It’s obviously a completely terrible thing to happen in our area but the people of Streatham are resilient and they shouldn’t be afraid.
The police do have the situation under control.
Obviously, we shouldn’t make it an issue to divide us because that’s what terrorism is. If we are afraid and if we are divided, then the terrorists ultimately win.
Updated
The British Red Cross has provided this statement on the Streatham terror incident:
Our sympathies are with those affected by this afternoon’s incident in Streatham. We are in communication with the authorities leading the response and are closely monitoring the situation.
We are ready to make the UK Solidarity Fund available to those affected by the attack.
The Fund was set up in 2017 following the attacks in Manchester and London and offers financial support to victims of terror attacks in need anywhere in the UK.
One of three Streatham attack victims in 'life-threatening' condition, Scotland Yard says
Police have given an update on the condition of the three people known to have been injured in the Streatham terror attack this afternoon.
One is in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
The second victim was treated for minor injuries at the scene before being taken to hospital.
The third victim has been taken to hospital – their condition is not life-threatening.
A second victim was treated for minor injuries at the scene before being taken to hospital.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 2, 2020
A third victim has been taken to hospital – their condition is not life-threatening.
Updated
At least three people injured in terror attack
The London ambulance service has confirmed that it treated three people for injuries at the scene of this afternoon’s terror attack in Streatham, south London.
All three have been taken to hospital.
*UPDATED STATEMENT* on our response to this afternoon's incident in #Streatham.
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) February 2, 2020
We treated three patients for injuries at the scene, and took all three people to hospital. pic.twitter.com/oDCIO3sh6i
Updated
Laura, 31, was watching a film at a Streatham High Road cinema this afternoon as the attack took place. She told the Guardian:
I was in the cinema and just leaving when I saw police.
They saw me, a young woman on her own, and said when you go downstairs you’ll see police everywhere but don’t be alarmed. You cannot exit on to the high street.
A police officer in the street said there had been an incident and showed me an alternative route back on to the high street where it was safe. It must have been terrible for those who saw it.
I was watching a film when it happened. I live in Waterloo and usually go to the cinema in the West End but for some reason went to Streatham.
Updated
My colleague Sarah Marsh is at the scene in Streatham. She spoke to Luke Black, 27, who was meeting a friend for lunch on Streatham High Road at 2.15pm today.
He said:
We were just going to have lunch somewhere when we saw people running and shouting. We weren’t sure what was happening and thought it was some kids. It’s only when we got to Boots that we saw a body on the floor and police were ushering people away. We were worried and we heard rumours the man had something strapped to his chest. The police were swift to come in and people were told to leave quickly.
I’ve never seen so many police in Streatham before. Now the whole area is cordoned off. I’ve lived in Streatham for three years and never seen anything like this. It’s such a nice part of town – occasionally there is trouble but nothing major.
There was lots of tension in the air after the incident and people were scared. Fortunately we did not see any of the victims but heard from a cafe two people were injured. I feel sad now. It’s Sunday and a bustling street with families. It’s a shame as there is a nice community here.
Updated
Jonathan Bartley, who was the Green party candidate in Streatham, lives a stone’s throw from the scene of today’s attack.
He told Sky News:
There is a sense of bewilderment. There is sense of shock.
My partner had just gone out to get some food for lunch ... a late lunch.
She came running down the road and said someone had just been shot at that moment ... You just don’t expect that on a Sunday afternoon.
The sense of shock was palpable.
Updated
Nardos Mulugeta, 52, a mechanical engineer who lives in Streatham, said he heard gunshots before seeing one victim lying in the street. Speaking to PA Media he said:
“I heard a shot and then there was a 20-second gap. Then there were three or four shots together.
“I went over and I saw the first victim, a male victim on the ground, near the White Lion Pub, and people were helping him.
“Then five minutes later a woman came over and said I’ve been stabbed too in the back. And then people starting helping her.
“I saw one body laying down further away. He was face down between Argos and Iceland. It’s really scary.”
Updated
The Independent Office of Police Conduct has confirmed it will conduct an investigation into the incident as is required whenever lethal force is used by officers.
A spokesman said:
“We have been advised by the Met of the fatal police shooting earlier today, and declared an independent investigation at 3.30pm. We have investigators in the area. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
“It is mandatory for us to conduct an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public. We have established protocols with the police to ensure our investigations do not hinder their ability to conduct inquiries as part of their related investigations.”
Updated
Sunday’s attack is the second since the UK’s terrorism threat level was reduced in November 2019.
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre downgraded the threat from severe, where it had been since 2014, to substantial, meaning a terrorist attack is assessed as being likely.
The first attack, weeks after the terror threat was downgraded, was at London Bridge when two people died and an attacker wearing a fake suicide bomb belt was shot dead.
The second was today in Streatham.
Since 2017, police and MI5 have disrupted 25 further plots, the majority of those linked to Islamist ideology, but are also seeing more threat from extreme right groups.
Counter-terrorism policing in the UK is currently conducting 800 investigations linked to violent extremism, ranging from trying to stop atrocities to terrorist funding and propaganda.
The level of Islamist terrorist activity started to increase dramatically in 2016 and continued rising into 2017. Counter-terrorism officials say the rise of Isis and the high levels of propaganda they were pumping out was to blame.
Counter-terrorism officials said the high and enduring tempo of activity has lessened in 2019, as Isis waned, but that it was still higher than in 2015. Officials are aware that plots can proceed from planning to execution in a matter of days.
Counter-terrorism officials say 3,000 suspects are on their list of highest priorities at any one time.
Updated
What we know so far
- A suspected terrorist was shot dead by police in south London after suspected stabbing attack on Streatham High Road at 2pm. Witnesses saw plain-clothed officers fire three shots.
- At least two people were injured in the incident, including one who is believed to be in a serious condition. A witness said one of the victims had to wait 30 minutes before an ambulance arrived.
- The Metropolitan police believe the incident is over, and confirmed it was terror-related. An investigation into the shooting will be carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is routine whenever lethal force is used by officers.
- The suspect was wearing a fake suicide vest, police have confirmed. A similar fake vest was worn by the London Bridge attacker in November last year.
- The suspect is believed to have been motivated by an Islamist terrorist ideology. There have been unconfirmed accounts that he shouted “Allahu Akbar” before carrying out the attack.
- Boris Johnson thanked emergency services and said his thoughts are with the injured and those affected. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “Terrorists seek to divide us and to destroy our way of life – here in London we will never let them succeed.”
Updated
Here’s a map of the area
At the northern end of the cordon on Streatham High Road, people are not being allowed into the area. A police officer said the cordon would remain “for a significant amount of time”, saying that “the area is still deemed too dangerous”.
People could still be seen inside the cordon shopping and in bars and cafes. Some locals were frustrated at being held outside the cordon, with some elderly residents of the area saying that they would not be able to walk around the diversion.
Updated
One witness claimed it took 30 minutes before an ambulance reached one of the people stabbed in the incident.
I had to stay with someone who’d just been #stabbed in #Streatham for 30 minutes before a single ambulance arrived.
— Dave Chawner (@DaveChawner) February 2, 2020
I’m just over 1 mile from a hospital - I’m not having a go at anyone, but that’s not right
I just hope he made it
So sad - I just saw someone get #stabbed in #streatham pic.twitter.com/FR6bSyFzZ8
— Dave Chawner (@DaveChawner) February 2, 2020
Updated
Police told witnesses to evacuate the area because the suspect was believed to be carrying some kind of device.
Karker Tahir, who was working in a shop on Streatham High Road, gave this vivid description to Sky News. He said:
I saw this guy running on the pavement. And behind him there was two or three police officers undercover with guns. They kept telling him ‘stop’. And I then saw them shoot him three times.
It was just a horrible scene. The man on floor looked like he was carrying some luggage. Police said maybe there was some device or something. ‘You have to evacuate,’ [they said].
The police said you have to leave the shop because he has a bomb in his back. That’s what police said to us.
A police officer, after he shot him, went to check on him while he was alive. And then they suddenly found something, I think there was a bomb or something. And they stepped back. And that’s when we ran.
Updated
Police believe incident is over
Officers seen in video circulating on social media in plain clothes are believed to be surveillance officers who happened to be in the area, sources said.
The Met police believe the incident is over.
An investigation into the shooting is expected to be carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. By law the investigation has to be carried out by the IOPC when police use lethal force and carried out independently.
Updated
One person believed to be seriously injured
At least two people have been injured and one of those is believed to be in a serious condition in hospital.
At this early stage of the investigation, the suspect is believed to have been motivated by an Islamist terrorist ideology.
The man shot dead by police was wearing a “fake suicide vest” made of objects designed to look like an improvised explosive device.
A similar vest was worn by attackers at London Bridge atrocity in 2017 and the later London Bridge attack in November 2019.
Updated
Richard Mustonen-Smith, 59, a response pastor for Ascension Trust, has lived in Streatham all his life. Speaking to PA Media, he said:
“I’m shocked it’s happened in Streatham. I’ve been here all my life. We’re always getting accidents down here but not this.
“My grandson was in the Odeon and they got told to go out the back because there was a bomb. They got them to go out of the back of the cinema.
“When it’s a member of your family so close to you you don’t expect it. You’re always worried about your family being on the streets but this is even worse.
“I heard two people got stabbed and apparently one man was shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ but people thought he was just a crazy man, so he got away. Apparently he had two rucksacks.”
Updated
This is from the home secretary:
I am being kept updated by @metpoliceuk on this afternoon’s incident in Streatham, which has been declared terrorist-related. My first thoughts are with the victims, our brave police and emergency services and their families.
— Priti Patel (@patel4witham) February 2, 2020
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, says he is in contact with the police about the incident.
In a statement, he thanked the police, security and emergency services and added:
“Terrorist seek to divide us and to destroy our way of life – here in London we will never let them succeed.”
My statement on today's incident in #Streatham: pic.twitter.com/sDsJlVcyNq
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) February 2, 2020
Updated
Boris Johnson has thanked the emergency services and said his thoughts are with the injured and those affected.
Thank you to all emergency services responding to the incident in Streatham, which the police have now declared as terrorism-related. My thoughts are with the injured and all those affected.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 2, 2020
Streatham’s newly elected Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has expressed her concern and urged the public to avoid the area.
Very concerned to hear about the incident on Streatham High St. My thoughts are with those injured, their families and those who witnessed the attack. The police have declared this as terrorist -related. Please avoid the area whilst emergency services continue to do their work https://t.co/959P58rPuj
— Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (@BellRibeiroAddy) February 2, 2020
Updated
Police say two people injured
The Metropolitan police said two people were injured in the suspected terrorist attack. Earlier, London Ambulance said a number of people were being treated at the scene.
We believe there are two injured victims. We await updates on their conditions.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 2, 2020
The scene has been fully contained.
We will issue more information when possible.
Updated
Suspect shot dead
The terrorist suspect was shot dead, the Metropolitan police have announced.
We can confirm that the man shot by police at around 2pm today in #Streatham High Road has been pronounced dead
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 2, 2020
Ambulance Service: a number of people injured
The London Ambulance Service says it is treating a number of people at the scene.
Statement from Graham Norton, London Ambulance Service Strategic Commander on the incident in #Streatham.
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) February 2, 2020
Please continue to follow @metpoliceuk for updates. pic.twitter.com/rsG2DqR9vn
Updated
London Ambulance Service has confirmed it has deployed a “number of resources” to Streatham High Road.
We have a number of resources attending an incident in #Streatham High Road, more information to follow https://t.co/xthVIg8ybn
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) February 2, 2020
Streatham High Road is closed in both directions.
UPDATE- Streatham High Road remains closed in both directions due to an emergency services incident. Traffic has been reported slow moving on the diversion route. Expect delays. Use alternative routes.https://t.co/pDSQynsfhv
— TfL Traffic News (@TfLTrafficNews) February 2, 2020
Witness claimed suspect was armed with machete and 'silver canisters on his chest'
A 19-year-old student from Streatham claimed to have witnessed the shooting on Streatham High Road in front of a Boots store.
He told the PA news agency: “I was crossing the road when I saw a man with a machete and silver canisters on his chest being chased by what I assume was an undercover police officer - as they were in civilian clothing.
“The man was then shot. I think I heard three gun shots but I can’t quite remember.
“After that I ran into the library to get to safety.
“From the library I saw a load of ambulances and armed police officers arrive on the scene.”
He said people began running into nearby stores after the incident.
“We were all informed to stay in buildings by armed police, until we were evacuated,” he said.
- This post has been amended as the witness wished to remain anonymous
Updated
Welcome to live coverage of the aftermath of a terrorist stabbing on Streatham High Road, in south London.
A man has been shot by armed officers in an incident the police said was terrorism-related.
The Metropolitan police said a number of people had been stabbed in Streatham.
“The circumstances are being assessed; the incident has been declared as terrorist-related,” the Met said in a tweet.
#INCIDENT A man has been shot by armed officers in #Streatham. At this stage it is believed a number of people have been stabbed. The circumstances are being assessed; the incident has been declared as terrorist-related. Please follow @metpoliceuk for updates
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 2, 2020
After footage emerged on social media of armed police approaching a prone figure on the pavement, police cordoned off the street and advised people to avoid the area.
Images from the scene showed a number of emergency services vehicles on the scene while social media users said helicopters were circling overhead. Armed police were guarding the area in the aftermath of the incident.
Updated
