PALACE KNIFE HORROR

Terror fear after police are wounded

BUCKINGHAM Palace was on lockdown last night after a man armed with a large knife attacked two police officers.

Police cordoned off the Mall and surrounding areas after the crazed attack just yards from the Palace shortly after 8.30pm.

Horrified tourists looked on as emergency services rushed to the scene after the man had swung what was described by witnesses as a machete or sword at the officers.

The man was overpowered by police and arrested.

Scotland Yard in a statement last night said the officers suffered minor injuries as they attempted to detain the man and a strong police presence remained in place.

It was too early to say if the incident was terror-related.

The Yard added: “Officers are on

scene at the Mall outside Buckingham Palace. A man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assault on police.

“Two police officers suffered minor injuries during the course of detaining the man. No other persons have been reported injured. Officers remain on scene and inquiries are ongoing.”

The Queen was not at home at the time of the attack as she is staying at her Scottish residence, Balmoral.

Amir Jan Malik wrote on Twitter: “Being directed away from Buckingham Palace now as police cordon it off. No entry allowed in towards Palace.”

Another witness, Leonardi Paoli, wrote: “Buckingham Palace in lockdown. Man with a sword attacked an officer.”

He said he overheard police discussing a “sword attack” after the incident. The officers were treated at the scene.

Security has been stepped up at the Queen’s home earlier in the year with a giant ring of huge metal bollards installed outside the Palace to stop Westminster-style terror attacks by motorists driving on to the pavement.

The measures came into force to coincide with blast and bullet resistant trucks being stationed in Westminster as police officer numbers were doubled in a bid to prevent lone-wolf attacks.

The incident occurred just hours after a man was shot in Brussels after attacking two soldiers with a knife.

Belgian prosecutors said the man later died. He was 30 years old and not known to police for terrorist activities.

The area was cordoned off by police and emergency services. One witness, Ryan MacDonald, said he heard the sound of a gunshot. “Sound of gunshot, heavy police presence outside,” Mr MacDonald wrote on Twitter.

Another witness said he heard “two loud bangs and a load of sirens”.

The attack took place on Boulevard Emile Jacqmain in the heart of Brussels.

The soldiers were lightly wounded in the attack, one in the face, the other in the hand.