London Bridge: Medway councillor caught up in terror attack describes "surreal" events
19:29, 29 November 2019
updated: 20:30, 29 November 2019
A councillor who saw people sprinting away from a terror attack on London Bridge has described the situation as "surreal".
Medway councillor Naushaba Khan, who represents Gillingham South, was in the capital for her job as public affairs consultant when she saw the news of a suspected terror attack flash up on the news.
KMTV reporting from near the scene of the attack
The Met Police have since confirmed two people were killed and three others were injured in the attack.
The terrorist, who was wearing a hoax improvised explosive device, was shot dead by armed officers at the scene.
"We saw it pop up and then began to hear police helicopters and emergency services," said Cllr Khan.
"We looked out the windows and could see people running from the bridge.
"It was a bit surreal - you're watching everything happen on the television that's so close to you."
"It makes you realise where you are and how quickly things can change" - Naushaba Khan
The Gillingham resident was working just minutes away in St Thomas Street and described a mass panic among workers.
"People were panicking and some were even throwing up," the 33-year-old added.
"It's scary to think how close you are to something like that. You don't think anything will happen and then it does."
The public affairs consultant said officers from the Met Police were on the scene within seconds of the news flashing up and she and her colleagues were told to get inside a building where they were put on lockdown for three hours.
When they were released Ms Khan said there was a heavy police presence outside.
She said: "It makes you realise where you are and how quickly things can change.
"Police were great at communicating to us what was happening as we had only heard there was a fight.
"We didn't know if it was just that or something gang related."
Armed Met Police officers were called at around 2pm to reports a man was attacking people with a knife near London Bridge.
The terrorist, who was said to be wearing hoax improvised explosive device, was shot dead by police.
At least one person died during the terrorist attack.
A number of Kent trains were disrupted following the incident.
Assistant commissioner for specialist operations at the Met, Neil Basu, said: "I can confirm that at approximately 2pm today, police were called to a stabbing at a premises near to London Bridge.
"Emergency services attended, including officers from the City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police.
"A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London Police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene.
"A number of other people received injuries during the incident.
"As you would expect, due to the nature of the incident, we responded as though it was terrorist-related.
"I am now in a position to confirm that it has been declared a terrorist incident.
"We are working jointly with the City of London Police as we continue to respond.
"We believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device" Neil Basu
"Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are now leading this investigation.
"I must stress, however, that we retain an open mind as to any motive. It would not be appropriate to speculate further at this time.
"Due to reports that the suspect may have had an explosive device, specialist officers also attended the scene and wide cordons are in place to ensure there remains no further danger to the public.
"However, I can confirm that at this time, we believe a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect is a hoax explosive device.
"Officers continue to carry out meticulous searches in the area to ensure there is no outstanding threat to the public.
"Those extensive cordons will remain in place for a considerable time and I would ask the public please continue to avoid the area.
"Public safety is obviously our top priority and we will be enhancing police patrols in the City and across London.
"I would ask anyone with information, image or footage of the incident that this be shared with our investigation team to do so on the UK Police Image appeal website.
"I would also ask the public to continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns they have to police."
