WESTMINSTER is in lockdown following a suspected terror attack on the parliament this afternoon.

MPs, including Clacks representative Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh remain locked inside the debating chamber as police and emergency services attempt to deal with the carnage outside.

Ms Ahmed-Sheikh and her staff members are all confirmed to be "safe and well".

A group of schoolchildren, aged around 10, were in the parliament at the time but have been safely moved to the central lobby of the buildng.

It is believed at least one person was killed as a vehicle ran over pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

The assailant then rammed the perimeter gate and tried to force his way inside the building.

One police officer is thought to have been stabbed, before the attackers were shot by armed police stationed at the parliament.

He is said to be in critical condition, while the assailant - a male thought to be in his late 30s or early 40s - likely killed.

At least one person has been confirmed dead on the bridge, with doctors saying she was found under the wheel of a bus, having been killed at the scene.

Others endured "catastrophic" injuries, with one woman jumping from the bridge into the Thames.

The city is currently in turmoil with armed police remaining on high alert.

Proceedings at the Scottish Parliament have also been suspended.

Ms Ahmed-Sheikh paid tribute to the courageous security forces at Westminster for charging into danger in protection of those in the workplace.

A statement on her Facebook page said: "Further to the ongoing security incident in parliament today I'd like to thank everyone who has gotten in touch with my office and I to offer their best wishes.

"My staff and I are safe and well.

"While MPs and staff are asked to remain where they are if there is a security incident on the parliamentary estate, the police, parliamentary security forces and the ambulance services run towards the danger to protect our safety and that of the public.

"I am always immensely grateful for the bravery and service of these men and women, but am especially thankful for their professionalism and heroism today."

Meanwhile, officers are conducting a sweep of the area, with nearby roads closed to the public.

A statement from Scotland Yard said: "Officers - including firearms officers - remain on the scene and we are treating this as a terrorist incident until we know otherwise.

"We thank the public for their assistance."

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, added: “There has been a serious incident near to Parliament Square this afternoon which is being treated as a terrorist attack until the police know otherwise.

"I have spoken to the Acting Commissioner. The Metropolitan Police Service is dealing with the incident and an urgent investigation is underway. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.

“I would like to express my thanks to the police and emergency services who work so hard to keep us safe and show tremendous bravery in exceptionally difficult circumstances."