(Press tv) -- The attack took place late Saturday night when a white van veered off the road and mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge.

Medical kits are seen scattered outside a cafe around ten minutes walk west of Borough Market. (Photo via The Sun) 

The drivers then got off the vehicle and began stabbing people with large knives in the Borough Market area of bars and restaurants.

Three men – two lying in the background – believed to be the terrorists pictured dead after being shot by police. (Photo via The Sun)

"Armed response officers then responded very quickly and bravely and confronted the three male suspects who were shot and killed on Borough Market," Mark Rowley, Britain's top anti-terrorism officer, said.

"Sadly, six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot by police," Rowley said.

"The suspects had been confronted and shot by police within eight minutes of the first call. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes," he added.

Police said at least 30 people were wounded, adding three major London hospitals were on lockdown to keep patients and staff safe.

A number of other patients were also treated for less serious injuries in the center of the city.

Police and members of the emergency services attend to victims of the terror attack. (Photo by AFP)

British Prime Minister Theresa May said, "Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism."

"This is a fast moving investigation… I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events."

Armed police officers arrive at the scene of the terror attack. (Photo by AFP)

"Police are dealing with a major incident and all routes are being diverted," Transport for London said on Twitter.

A large area of central London remained cordoned off, with police asking people to avoid the area.

Police escort a member of public as they clear the scene of the attack. (Photo by AFP)

Bursts of gunfire could be heard through the streets, likely from armed police with at least three blasts ringing out as police performed controlled explosions.

Members of the public, wrapped in emergency blankets leave the scene of the attack. (Photo by AFP) 

The attacks come days ahead of a June 8 election and less than two weeks after another terrorist attack left 22 people dead and scores of others injured at a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester in northern England. 

It has been the deadliest act of terror in Britain in over a decade.