People in Sunderland have been left shocked and upset following a terrorist attack in London.
The attacker reportedly drove a car along the pavement on Westminster bridge, stabbed a police officer and was finally shot dead by police outside Parliament.
Four people, including the attacker, died and at least 40 were injured, some of them severely.
The Head of Counter Terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, Mark Rowley, said: “It is still our belief that this attacker was inspired by international terrorism.”
The extremist group Islamic State has claimed that the man who carried out the attack was working for them. However, this has not been confirmed by the authorities.
The Queen has released a statement following the terror attack in London on March 22, one year on from terrorists attacks at Brussels airport in Belgium.
In the statement addressed to the Police Commissioner, Her Majesty said: “Following the shocking events in Westminster, Prince Philip and I are sorry that we are not able to open the New Scotland Yard building as planned today, for very understandable reasons.
“I look forward to visiting at a later date. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with all those who have been affected by yesterday’s awful violence.
“I know I speak for everyone in expressing my enduring thanks and admiration for the members of the Metropolitan Police service and all who work so selflessly to help and protect others. Elizabeth R.”
Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland Police have all changed their profile pictures on social media to a Union Jack, paying respect to Metropolitan Police.
#NewProfilePic for our colleagues in London @metpoliceuk #policefamily pic.twitter.com/4eL5E1m7Aq
— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) March 22, 2017
Flags at police stations have also been lowered to half mast, as were those at council offices.
Watch the video below to see how people in Sunderland react to the attack.