London terror attack: PM Narendra Modi expresses sadness, says India stands with UK

New Delhi/London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed sadness over the attack in the heart of London by a man who was shot dead by armed police, with many saying they stand with Britain.

At least four people were killed and more than 40 injured in the attack outside Parliament on Wednesday when a man mowed down pedestrians with a car then leapt out and stabbed a police officer.

India stands with the UK at this difficult moment, said PM Modi.

"Deeply saddened by the terror attack in London. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," Modi tweeted.

"At this difficult moment, India stands with UK in the fight against terrorism," he added.

Political leaders across the world have come forward and condemned the incident in strong words.

In an address outside her Downing Street office, Prime Minister Theresa May had described the attack as "sick and depraved" in a defiant address in which she affirmed Parliament would meet as normal on Thursday.

Standing outside her Downing Street residence after an emergency cabinet meeting, May said Britain`s alert level would be kept unchanged.

The Prime Minister was in Parliament at the time of the attack and was seen being ushered away in a silver car as what sounded like gunfire rang out, British media reported.

Britain`s top counter-terrorism officer Mark Rowley said the four victims included a policeman guarding Parliament and three members of the public.

"Islamist-related terrorism is our assumption," Rowley told journalists.

He said investigators believe they know the identity of the assailant and police would be examining the scene of the attack through the night.

Queen Elizabeth II postponed her appearance on Thursday to open the new headquarters of London`s Metropolitan Police, where the force`s flag was flown at half-mast following the incident.

The attack came a year to the day after Islamic State jihadists killed 32 people in twin bomb attacks in Brussels and after a series of deadly assaults in Europe that had hitherto spared Britain.

Britain`s last terror attack was the assassination of MP Jo Cox by a pro-Nazi sympathiser in her constituency in northern England.

The worst previous attack in London was in 2005 when four British suicide bombers inspired by al Qaeda attacked the transport system, killing 52 people.

(With Agency inputs)