The scene of the shooting in London outside the House of Commons

A police officer has been stabbed in the Houses of Parliament in central London.

He told MPs the “alleged assailant was shot by armed police” following a “serious” incident.

Staff inside Parliament were told to stay inside their offices.

It is claimed the attack was shot up to four times.

Tom Peck, political editor for the Independent, tweeted: “There was a loud bang. Screams. Commotion. Then the sound of gunshots. Armed police everywhere.”

Scotland Yard said it was called to a firearms incident on Westminster Bridge amid reports of several people injured.

Transport for London said Westminster underground station has been shut at the police’s request.

Scene on Westminster Bridge after several people reported injured after shooting