UNITED KINGDOM – At least 22 injured in terrorist attack on London Underground on 15 September

15 September 2017, 13:14 GMT
Severity: High
Location(s) affected: London, England, United Kingdom

Event Summary

At least 22 people were injured in an explosion on a London Underground train—also known as the Tube—on 15 September in what is being treated as a terrorist attack. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. The explosion occurred at approximately 08:20 local time at the Parsons Green station. Police have since confirmed that the explosion was due to an improvised explosive device (IED) with a timer. The Parsons Green station remains closed with a large security cordon set up. Police have not said whether anyone has been arrested in relation to the incident. Security has been increased across the transportation system, and authorities have said that a heightened security presence should be expected in public spaces in the city into the weekend.

Analysis

This is the fifth terrorism incident in the country so far in 2017, and according to police, at least six other terrorist plots have been thwarted. The international terrorist threat level in the United Kingdom remains at “Severe,” the second-highest level on a five-level scale, indicating that an attack is “highly likely.” Other attacks this year have included a van ramming attack at a mosque, a van ramming and knife attack around the London Bridge, a vehicular ramming and knife attack on Westminster Bridge and near Parliament, and a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena. The London Underground was targeted in a series of attacks on 7 July 2005 in which 56 people were killed and over 700 were injured.

Advice

Personnel are advised to avoid the area until the situation normalizes.

Expect significant travel disruptions in the affected areas due to police activity.

Monitor the local media and our website for further updates.