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Westminster lockdown: MPs tweet from inside Parliament

An air ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London
An air ambulance outside the Palace of Westminster, London

Politicians described chaotic scenes in Westminster after a security alert meant many had to be evacuated from Parliament.

Peer Sheila Noakes wrote: “Shots in Parliament Square. People running like crazy.”

Conservative MP Grant Shapps tweeted: “Police response instant. Heard commotion, looked round. Police weapons drawn, 4 shots, police ordered us to hit ground & get back, get back.”

Fellow Tory Michael Fabricant described a similar scene, saying: “I was walking briskly to a vote when crowds of MPs rushed towards me saying that shots have been fired and shouts of ’get back’.”

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron tweeted shortly after news of the incident broke: “Currently with a shell-shocked group of MPs at New Scotland Yard having been evacuated following the attack. Police doing an incredible job.”

Many MPs spoke about being locked inside rooms in the Parliament building and took to Twitter to tell friends and family they were safe.