Police block off London Bridge after a terror attack in London, Britain, on June 4, 2017. Unidentified attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge Saturday night and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market area. British authorities have classified the incidents as terrorist attacks. (Xinhua)
LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- More details about the London terrorist attack were revealed as police were making progress in identifying the attackers, said a police chief on Sunday night.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said police were "making significant progress" in identifying the three attackers, adding: "Work is ongoing to understand more about them, their connections and whether they were assisted or supported by anyone else."
"We have established that the van used during the attack, a white Renault van -- was recently hired by one of the attackers," he said.
"Our understanding is growing and as we currently understand it the van entered London Bridge at 21:58 (Saturday) travelling from the North to the South side of the river. The van mounted the pavement, and collided with pedestrians before being abandoned, where the attackers, armed with knives, continued into the Borough Market area, stabbing numerous people."
Eowley said the attackers were then confronted by the firearms officers and eight police firearms officers discharged their weapons.
"Our initial assessment is that in the region of 50 rounds were discharged by 8 officers. The three attackers were shot dead," he continued.
He said the situation confronting the officers was critical -- a matter of life and death. "As the officers confronted the terrorists, and fired shot, a member of the public also suffered gunshot wounds."
In what would have been an intensive day of campaigning ahead of Thursday's general election, all of the major parties, with the exception of UKIP, suspended their election program for the day.
Prime Minister Theresa May spoke outside 10 and condemned what she said was a single evil ideology of Islamist extremism, saying "enough is enough".
It was the third act of deadly terrorism in Britain since March, said May, with two attacks in London and one on the Manchester Arena two weeks ago.
Downing Street has declared that there will be a minute's silence held on Tuesday morning to remember the victims of the terror attack.
In a statement, Number 10 said the minute's silence would take place at 11 a.m on Tuesday.
"The UK will observe a minute's silence on June 6, 2017 and flags will remain at half-mast on Whitehall government buildings," it said.
