London police shoot dead knifeman near parliament

While patrolling the area close to Parliament, British police saw a man acting suspiciously. When challenged, he produced two knives and was shot.

London: British police shot dead a man brandishing two knives near parliament in central London, officers said on Monday, adding that the incident was not terror-related.

The Metropolitan Police said officers on patrol at about 11:25 pm (2325 GMT) on Sunday noticed a man they believed was behaving suspiciously.

The force said officers patrolling the area — close to Parliament and tourist hotspots — saw a man acting suspiciously late on Sunday. When challenged, he produced two knives and was shot, the force said.

Most British police don't carry firearms, but the area around Parliament is often patrolled by armed officers.

Police shootings are relatively rare in the UK. In 2019, British police fired guns 13 times. In November, officers shot and killed an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group who had fatally stabbed two people near London Bridge.

Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the latest shooting.

With inputs from PTI