As we Malaysians were preparing for bed half way around the world, a ghastly attack took place at Westminster, London.

The incident occurred at 2.40pm (London time) when an attacker, driving at an alarming speed, reportedly ploughed his way into a crowd of pedestrians at London’s Westminster Bridge before crashing into the railings nearby the Britain’s House of Parliament.

The assailant then reportedly made his way on foot towards the gates of the Palace of Westminster with a knife.

A police officer, who reportedly tried to stop the suspect, was unfortunately stabbed to death. The police officer was later identified as PC Keith Palmer by The Guardian.

The attacker was later shot to death when he allegedly tried to stab another police officer.

At the moment, the suspect's identity is still unknown, but The New York Times reported that no group has come forward to claim responsibility for the attack, but Scotland Yard officials told the news portal they believed they knew who he was.

Here’s what we know so far:

• Incident occurred along Westminster Bridge and at the House of Parliament.
• Five people were killed including the policeman, Keith Palmer, and the attacker who is yet to be identified.
• Over 40 people were injured and some are still being treated for serious injuries.
• Two large knives were found at the scene, believed to be the weapon used by the attacker.

• A woman who was thrown from the bridge into River Thames was succesfully rescued alive. However, she sustained serious injuries.
• Police believed the attacker operated alone and was motivated by Islamist-related international terrorism.
• The area including River Thames and the Westminster underground train station were locked down as armed police searched nearby buildings.
• British Prime Minister, Theresa May, condemned the attack and described it as “sick and depraved”.
• May ordered the parliament to sit as normal on Thursday with heightened security.

 

In the aftermath of the deadly incident, several world leaders have condemned the attack and vowed to offer full support and stand behind Britain.

Londoners have also come together as they take to their social media sites to express their feelings in the wake of the attack by starting a hashtag trend called #WeAreNotAfraid on Twitter:

#WeAreNotAfraid My heart goes out to all the people who went out this morning thinking it was gonna be 'just another day' #PrayForLondon pic.twitter.com/6C9onQZAlg

— Nerea (@Fangiirl_22) March 22, 2017

For those who run into the danger, to keep us safe and free. Thank you. #WeAreNotAfraid and we never will be. pic.twitter.com/IJnN965sbg

— Adele (@compaddicted) March 22, 2017

You will not break us, only bring us closer together. #LondonIsOpen #LondonStrong #WeAreNotAfraid #Westminster pic.twitter.com/tZbVWNzQbh

— Baz (@baz_j) March 22, 2017

Love. Always. #London #LondonAttack #WeAreNotAfraid #Westminster pic.twitter.com/wDfjIYnDqt

— Julia Larsen (@jubileejulia) March 22, 2017

We will NOT be divided. We are #StrongerTogether and #WeAreNotAfraid
Let us not judge; terrorism is to blame, not religion#PrayForLondon pic.twitter.com/rURfU8QNXL

— Evie the Cat (@HMCabinetCat) March 22, 2017

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said in a statement cited by Bernama that no Malaysians were hurt in the attack.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently monitoring the developments closely and will provide updates. 

"The High Commission of Malaysia in London is in close contact with the local authorities and currently providing timely updates to the Malaysian community in the city over the incident," the Ministry said in the statement