Four victims were killed and 40 injured after being run over and stabbed in a lightning attack at the gates of British democracy on Wednesday (Mar. 22^nd). Police attributed the attack to "Islamist-related terrorism".

The attack unfolded across Westminster Bridge in the shadow of Big Ben, a towering landmark that draws tourists by the millions and stands over Britain's Houses of Parliament - the very image of London.

A man lies injured after a shooting incident on Westminster Bridge in London on March 22^nd, 2017. (Photo: REUTERS/Toby Melville)

The attacker's car struck pedestrians on the bridge before crashing into the railings surrounding the heavily-guarded Houses of Parliament, sowing first shock then panic in the seat of British power.

The assailant then ran through the gates brandishing a knife and stabbed a 48-year-old policeman to death before being shot dead by another officer.

Prime Minister Theresa May described the attack as "sick and depraved" and said that "the terrorist chose to strike at the heart of our capital city" in an attack on Britain's democratic values.

Standing outside her Downing Street residence after an emergency cabinet meeting, Ms. May voiced defiance and said parliament would meet as normal on Thursday, while Britain's security alert level would be kept unchanged.

"We will all move forward together, never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart," said Ms. May, who was dressed in black.

Ms. May 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.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a statement saying the police were "dealing with the incident and an urgent investigation is underway". He also thanked authorities and emergency services for their hard work and "tremendous bravery".

Three French pupils on a school trip were among those hurt and a seriously injured woman was rescued from the River Thames following Wednesday's incident.

Five South Korean tourists were wounded, the Yonhap news agency reported, while the Romanian foreign ministry said two Romanians were also injured./.

VNF/Reuters