DHAKA: Major security alert has been issued at Westminster after at least one person was shot and a police officer stabbed in the Houses of Parliament in central London, Commons Leader David Lidington has said.

He told MPs the “alleged assailant was shot by armed police” following a “serious” incident, reports the BBC.

Staffs inside the Parliament were told to stay inside their offices.

The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg said police told her someone had been shot and MPs said they heard “three or four gunshots”.

Tom Peck, political editor for the Independent, tweeted: “There was a loud bang. Screams. Commotion. Then the sound of gunshots. Armed police everywhere.”

Scotland Yard said it was called to a firearms incident on Westminster Bridge amid reports of several people injured.

Transport for London said Westminster underground station has been shut at the police's request.

BDST: 2130 HRS, MAR 22, 2017
AP