Donald Trump informed of London terror attack as US offers to assist UK

US president Donald Trump described the terror attack at Westminster as "big news" as world leaders reacted with shock to the incident.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Mar 2017, 17:06 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 11:08 BST
An Air Ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of WestminsterAn Air Ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster
An Air Ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster

Mr Trump was speaking after having an update on the situation.

The US State Department said it was ready to assist the UK authorities in any way.

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According to US network NBC, Mr Trump told reporters: "I was just getting an update on London.

Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of WestminsterPolice outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster
Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster

"Some big news having to do with London just happened."

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said: "We are following the concerning situation outside the UK Parliament.

"Our hearts go out to those affected. We stand ready to assist in any way the UK authorities would find helpful.

"The safety and security of US citizens overseas is one of our priorities. Our embassy in London is monitoring the situation closely."

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Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of WestminsterPolice outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster
Police outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after sounds similar to gunfire have been heard close to the Palace of Westminster

Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said: "Shocked at attack on London. Yesterday I spent the day at Westminster. Luckily not today.

"London's Parliament is the mother of democracy!"

Several EU leaders sent messages of concern and sympathy on social media.

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."

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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."

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