FLAGS at County Hall will be at half-mast today (Thursday), as a mark of respect to those killed and injured in yesterday's (Wednesday) London terror attack.

Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart said: "We are known to be a safe community here on the Island but we need to do our part to ensure it stays that way by being alert to any strange activity or individuals in our midst and if in doubt to report our concerns to the police. 

"I will be meeting with our emergency planning team to give them my full support for any plans and actions they need to take to ensure the Island’s on-going safety. 

"Most importantly, we must not let these individuals disrupt our way of life and so we must do all we can to protect ourselves and our Island community," said Cllr Stewart.

In a statement this morning (Thursday) Mark Rowley, the national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing and the Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Greater clarity is now developing regarding the casualty figures as we have now collated information from the public and five hospitals — the latest figures I have are that there are currently four dead and 29 people were treated in hospital.

"We are still collating numbers of walking wounded and of those in hospital sadly seven of them are in a critical condition.

"Tragically the deaths included PC Keith Palmer who was protecting Parliament, and two members of the public — a woman aged in her mid 40’s and a man aged in his mid 50’s.

"The fourth man of course was the terrorist who was shot dead by armed police at the scene.

"Hundreds of detectives have been working through the night and during that time I can confirm we have searched six addresses - and made seven arrests. The inquiries in Birmingham, London and other parts of the country continue.

"It is still our belief - which continues to be born out by our investigation - that this attacker acted alone yesterday and was inspired by international terrorism.

"To be explicit, at this stage, we have no specific information about further threats to the public.

"Clearly our investigation is ongoing, developing all the time, and is focused on his motivation, his preparation and associates.

"I do recognise that the media are making progress in identifying the attacker; I would continue to ask that his name is not published whilst we are at such a sensitive stage in our investigation, and as I state still conducting arrests and searches.

"The large and complicated crime scene remains in place and our work there continues. I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience as we finish this work.

"As people are out and about on the streets of the Capital this morning they will see more police officers on duty, armed and unarmed, and a mix of British Transport Police and the City of London.

"We have cancelled some leave and increased some duty hours and are working to make sure that we can out in force to reassure the public.

"We must not allow terrorists to create discord, distrust and fear.

"The police stand with all communities; later today a meeting of faith leaders will be held here at New Scotland Yard.

"Whilst our work to investigate and understand what happened yesterday continues with vigour - we must also reflect.

"I want to thank the public for their support and all their good wishes - I know it is appreciated by all those men and women who are out there today protecting us."