Mayor of London statements - Westminster attack

The Home Office has issued guidance for those people affected by the March 2017 Westminster attack.

Please visit the Westminster attack guidance page for more information

Mayor visits emergency services to pay tribute to their bravery

This morning the Mayor met members of the capital’s emergency services to express his deepest gratitude on behalf of all Londoners for their calm and professional response to the Westminster terrorist attacks.

There were four victims of in Wednesday’s attack: including police officer Keith Palmer, 48, Spanish teacher Aysha Frade, 43, American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, and Leslie Rhodes, 75, from Streatham.

Sadiq visited London Ambulance Service headquarters in Waterloo to meet with emergency service staff in the control room who took calls and dispatched paramedics to Westminster to treat the 40 injured victims of the attacks.

The Mayor then visited the London Fire Brigade’s Lambeth base, to meet members of the fire service boat crew who rescued a Romanian tourist who plunged into the River Thames from Westminster Bridge. He also met other fire crew responders who worked at the scene and the command team that led the operation from Union Street.

In addition, he spent time at the Metropolitan Police’s Special Operations Room who coordinated the response to the attack and continue to work on a live operation.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “On behalf of all Londoners I have today expressed our heartfelt gratitude to London’s emergency services for the way they responded following Wednesday’s awful events.



“It was a privilege to visit and thank the London Fire Brigade responders and commanders today face-to-face. They did an incredible job in the face of adversity and there is no question that without their swift response the outcome would be even worse.



“Since Wednesday, staff from London Ambulance Service and doctors and nurses in our National Health Service worked round-the-clock to care for those who were injured in the horrific attack. I pay tribute to their dedication and skill.



“I also want to pay tribute to the Metropolitan Police officer, Keith Palmer, who died while courageously protecting our city, our parliament and keeping Londoners safe. My thoughts are with PC Palmer's family and colleagues at this awful time. He was 48 and a husband and father.



“These brave police officers work tirelessly to keep us all safe. They prepare meticulously in case of attacks and put their lives on the line in order to protect the city. They ran to confront danger while encouraging others to run to safety. All Londoners are grateful for their efforts over the past few days.



“This was not only an attack on our city and our country, but on the very heart of our democracy and the symbol of the values we cherish most – democracy, freedom, justice and tolerance. These are the same values that those who attack us hate so much. And the best way we can honour those who have tragically lost their lives is to ensure that we always uphold these values.”

Photos from emergency services visits

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “There has been a serious incident near to Parliament Square this afternoon which is being treated as a terrorist attack until the police know otherwise.

"I have spoken to the Acting Commissioner. The Metropolitan Police Service is dealing with the incident and an urgent investigation is underway. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.



“I would like to express my thanks to the police and emergency services who work so hard to keep us safe and show tremendous bravery in exceptionally difficult circumstances. For the latest information please visit the Metropolitan Police.”