World Unites Around #WeAreNotAfraid Hashtag Following Westminster Terror Attack

The world has united for London in the aftermath of the Westminster terror attack.

At least four people have been confirmed dead, including a police officer and the suspected attacker, after a 4x4 vehicle mowed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before a knife attack in the grounds of the Houses of Parliament.

In the aftermath of the incident, people took to social media from across the globe to share their support and solidarity using a London underground icon and the hashtag #wearenotafraid.

Facebook has also set up a safety check for friends and family to request and respond to let their loved ones know they are not in danger.

Witnesses have described how the man, armed with a knife, then stabbed a police officer outside Parliament.

Downing Street has confirmed that British Prime Minister Theresa May was in Parliament when the attack happened but is now safe.

A joint statement from Commons Speaker John Bercow and Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said: "On behalf of Members of both Houses of Parliament, we wish to offer our thoughts to all those affected and their families.

"We would also like to express our gratitude to the police and all emergency services."

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, who earlier in the day had taken part in commemorations to mark the first anniversary of a terror attack in Brussels, said: "Our condolences are with those who mourn and all who are affected in London. Belgium stands with UK in fight against terror."

Danish PM Lars Lokke Rasmussen said: "Horrified by the images from London. My thoughts are with our British friends."

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said: "Terrorism - weapon of cowards. Strongly condemn gruesome terrorist attack at the heart of Westminster."

The European Commission's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said: "My thoughts are with the people of London."

Police have confirmed that they are responding to the attack as an ongoing terrorist incident.

Police have asked people to avoid the following areas in light of the events:

• Parliament Square
• Whitehall
• Westminster Bridge
• Lambeth Bridge
• Victoria Street up to the junction with Broadway
• Victoria Embankment up to Embankment tube

A number of counter terrorism officers are currently responding to the attack.

Topics: London

James Dawson

James Dawson is a Journalist at LADbible. He has contributed articles to LADbible’s ‘Knowing Me, Knowing EU’ series on the EU referendum, the 'Electoral Dysfunction' series on the 2017 general election, the ‘U OK M8?’ series tackling mental health amongst young men, and for its ‘Climate Change’ initiative in partnership with National Geographic.

@thejaytoday