LONDON – There has been a terrorist attack in Great Britain. An improved explosive device was detonated in the Parsons Green Underground Station. Eighteen people have so far been reported injured as a result of the explosion.
Police are actively engaged in a manhunt for the suspects behind this attack.
The Metropolitan Police in a statement report, “The Met was called at approximately 08:20hrs on Friday, 15 September to Parsons Green Underground Station following reports of a fire on the train.
“Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism (CT) policing, has declared it as a terrorist incident.
“Officers from the Met and British Transport Police attended the scene, along with colleagues from the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service”.
The Mayor of London states, “The national threat level has now been raised to ‘critical’ after the evil and cowardly terrorist attack at Parsons Green. As the Prime Minister has said, this is our highest level of security preparedness.
“I utterly condemn the hideous individuals who target innocent people and attempt to use terror to harm us and destroy our way of life.
“Please remain vigilant. If anybody knows anything at all about who might be responsible for this attack, they should contact the police immediately. The Anti-Terrorist Hotline is 0800 789 321.
“Everything possible is being done to protect our city and keep us all safe, both Londoners and visitors to the capital. I attended the COBRA security meeting this afternoon and am in contact with the Metropolitan Police and other emergency services who are leading the response and investigation.
“Rest assured the full resources of our police and security services are being deployed to track down those responsible. They will be caught and brought to justice.
“Tonight and this weekend there will be additional police officers – including armed officers – on our streets to keep us safe. There will also be some military personnel deployed to guard sensitive sites which are closed to the public.
“Meanwhile, on our transport network, extra staff will be on duty and visible.
“London stands together today as always. We will never let those who seek to divide us win – we will never be intimidated or defeated by terrorism”.
At present we are aware of 18 people who have suffered injuries, mostly flash burns according to the Met Police.
