This comes a day after city officials announced that they
were deploying extra police officers across the city.
One of the victims, a woman in her 60s, was treated at the
scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.
A 19-year-old man was arrested after a Taser was discharged
by an officer. The Metropolitan Police says his mental health is a “significant
factor” in the events.
“Early indications suggest that mental health is a
significant factor in this case and that is one major line of inquiry,” London
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley told reporters.
“But of course at this stage we should keep an open mind
regarding motive and consequently terrorism as a motivation remains but one
line of inquiry for us to explore,” he added.
The condition of those injured and the extent of their
injuries is not known at present.
A Reuters reporter at the scene said the southern part of
the square, which sits at the heart of London’s university area and is close to
landmarks such as the British Museum, was cordoned off by police.
A forensic tent had been erected on the pavement, the scene
of the attack, the Reuters reporter said.
Britain says its terrorist attack threat level remains at
“severe”, the second-highest level, meaning a strike is “highly likely”.
London police had already promised to deploy more armed
officers after a spate of deadly attacks in France, Germany and Belgium.
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