Shots fired as police tackle 'major incident' in London
Armed police have evacuated London Bridge and surrounding streets amid reports of a white van.
LONDON (AFP) - Police said a "major incident" was underway in central London as they responded to reports Saturday of a vehicle ploughing into pedestrians on London Bridge, and stabbings and shots being fired nearby.
"From 2208 hours (2108 GMT) officers responded to reports of a vehicle in collision with pedestrians on London Bridge," police said in a statement.
" Officers have then responded to reports of stabbings in Borough Market," at the south end of the bridge. "Armed officers responded and shots have been fired".
" Officers are now responding to an incident in the Vauxhall area," which is also on the south side of the River Thames and home to the MI6 foreign intelligence agency.
Witnesses on London Bridge reported seeing a van mounting the pavement and hitting pedestrians.
The London Ambulance Service said "multiple resources" were being sent to the scene.
The police were urging the public to run to a place of safety and hide if they cannot.
"Please remain calm, but be alert and vigilant. We are using all necessary skills and resources," police said.
Will Heaven, managing editor of The Spectator magazine, said on Twitter that he saw "two casualties -- one on pavement, one edge of road" and reported seeing armed police on the bridge.
