Aftermath of the attack in Woolwich, south-east London. Photograph by MikeyB
One man has died and a further two have been injured after armed police responded to a knife attack in Woolwich, south-east London.
Reports from the scene suggest that two men were “hacking” at a third man with a meat-cleaver and other weapons, and dragged his body from the pavement into the middle of the road. One witness described the attackers on LBC Radio as “animals”.
London Ambulance Service have confirmed that one man had been found dead at the scene, which was near to the Woolwich Barracks. Local MP Nick Raynsford has said that the dead man was a soldier serving there, but the Ministry of Defence are yet to confirm this or his name.
The two alleged attackers were reportedly shot by armed police who were called to the scene, and have been taken to hospital, with one in a serious condition. A number of weapons have been cleared from the scene, including at least one firearm.
Hear a witness’ account of the shocking incident who called into LBC Radio below:
This afternoon's attack in Woolwich is a sickening deluded and unforgivable act of violence. My thoughts are with the victim and his family
— Boris Johnson (@MayorofLondon) May 22, 2013
This footage is from ITV News, but there servers have gone down under the strain:
