A man has been shot dead by police in south London after he attacked people on a busy high street.
The man was under active police surveillance at the time of the attack, which police believe to be an Islamist-related terrorist incident.
He had a hoax device strapped to his body, police said. Three people were injured, with one person in a life-threatening condition.
Gunshots were heard on Streatham High Road just after 14:00 GMT on Sunday.
Reports suggest a man entered a shop and started stabbing people. It appears he then left the shop and stabbed a woman.
Witnesses reported hearing three gun shots and seeing a man lying on the ground, as armed police approached.
The BBC's Daniel Sandford said the events appeared to unfold after witnesses saw an unmarked police car pull in front of another car near Streatham Common, forcing it to stop.
He said this could be linked to the subsequent stabbings and police shooting and it was possible somebody was stopped, before being followed by undercover officers.
London Ambulance Service said it treated the three people for injuries at the scene and all were taken to hospital.
Of the other two, one had minor injuries, believed to have been caused by glass following shots from the police firearm, and the third person's condition was not life-threatening.
In a statement, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D'Orsi said armed officers were in "immediate attendance" and shot a male suspect, as part of a "proactive Counter Terrorism operation".
The situation has been contained and officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command are now leading an investigation into the incident, she said.
Streatham High Road remains closed and a cordon is in place, with enhanced police patrols in the area.
A police officer was seen pointing a gun at a man, who was seen on the floor outside Boots
Eyewitness Emma, from Streatham, told the BBC she saw an injured woman lying in the street.
She said she was told by another woman that an attacker had pulled out a knife in a shop before leaving and stabbing the woman.
Another eyewitness saw the shooting of the man take place in front of Boots pharmacy.
"I was crossing the road when I saw a man with a machete and silver canisters on his chest being chased by what I assume was an undercover police officer," he told the PA news agency.
"The man was then shot. I heard three gunshots."
Karker Tahir said he then saw police approach the man, before telling people nearby to move back in case a bomb went off.
The main road through Streatham is cordoned off
Eyewitness Daniel Gough said he was out for a run when he heard shots and everyone ran.
"There was panic, people were yelling," he said. "A young girl running alongside me kept asking 'Is this what I'm meant to do?' - she was very distressed.
"I saw a policeman and he yelled, telling everyone to get back. His gun was pointing in the direction of a man on the floor.
"Suddenly, more police appeared. There were [officers] everywhere".
Adam Blake, who was nearby, described how he saw two or three cars crash into each other, including an unmarked police car, as the incident unfolded.
"Another police car carried on towards the hill pursuing someone," he told the BBC.
Forensic officers were seen working at the site into the evening
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that his thoughts were with the injured and others affected. He thanked emergency services for their response.
Streatham's Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy said her thoughts were with those injured, their families and those who witnessed the attack.
"Two individuals have been stabbed - one is quite seriously unwell," she told BBC News.
She said the police took down a man "who they had been watching for some time".
"It is scary, I feel that fear, but Streatham is a very resilient community and we'll be fine," she added.
Armed police were at the sealed-off street on Sunday evening
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked emergency services for their "swift and courageous response", saying: "They truly are the best of us."
"Terrorists seek to divide us and to destroy our way of life - here in London we will never let them succeed."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his thoughts were with those affected and thanked emergency services "for their dedication and quick response".
Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was being kept updated by police.
Police are appealing for information, images and footage of the incident which can be shared via www.ukpoliceimageappeal.com or on 0800 789 321.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s path to greatness is clear, says Akufo-Addo
3 minutes -
Mahama reaffirms commitment to creating a nation that works for all in Christmas message
8 minutes -
Listen to the Ghanaians – Prof. Yendaw tells ORAL team
17 minutes -
Election 2024: This is not the outcome NPP hoped for – Stephen Ntim
2 hours -
Ghanaian comedy shows held in 2024
8 hours -
Hohoe MP-elect vows to weaken NPP’s influence ahead of future elections
9 hours -
Women of Valour heads to Paris in 2025
9 hours -
Joseph Keys releases new single ‘Yonko Pa’
9 hours -
Human rights court declares New Nation School’s treatment of students as harsh
10 hours -
Polo Beach Club defies injunction on Dec. 22; noise concerns raised
10 hours -
I wish new leaders strength to rule Ghana – Akufo-Addo
11 hours -
Joseph Paintsil reflects on a stellar debut season with LA Galaxy
11 hours -
I urge security to take firm stance against post-election violence – Akufo-Addo
11 hours -
Akufo-Addo delivers Christmas message in final yuletide address to Ghanaians
11 hours -
Onion costs shoot up as traders lament scarcity of commodity
11 hours