16 pubs surround London Bridge terror attack area

The attack began at 10.08pm on London Bridge and then around a packed Borough Market as revellers relaxed on a warm Saturday evening, after daytime temperatures reached the mid-20s.

According to reports, police were on the scene within eight minutes and shot dead all three of the attackers.

Pictures on social media showed two of the terrorists lying dead in front of Young’s pub the Wheatsheaf, Stoney Street. A spokesperson for Young's said: "Two members of staff at the Wheatsheaf pub were injured in last night's attack and were treated in hospital.

“Our thoughts are with them and their families and with everyone else who was affected by this horrific incident. We are working with the police to assist them with the ongoing investigation."

• Read an account of the terror attack from inside the Wheatsheaf​​

Other witnesses heard bangs coming from near the Slug & Lettuce, Borough High Street, before seeing a crowd of people run from the site. The Slug & Lettuce was closed by the police as a precaution, The Morning Advertiser ​(MA​) understands.

'Saddened by the events'​

A spokesperson from Slug & Lettuce said: "We are saddened by last night's events, but would like to thank our team for how well they responded and for all the well wishes received.

"No one within our venue was injured or directly affected by this incident but, in line with police recommendations and the cordon, our Slug & Lettuce site on Borough High Street will remain closed until further notice."

The terror attack is the third in the past four months, following a similar incident on Westminster Bridge​ in March and a bombing in Manchester last month​ where 22 were killed and 59 injured.

Following the Manchester attack, the former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office Chris Phillips warned pubs and bars to increase security.

Such a warning has been emphasised by security officials this morning (4 June) and should be heeded by pubs operating in densely populated areas.

Following the incident in Manchester, Phillips told BBC Radio 4’s Today​ programme: “This was obviously a planned attack and that would involve people looking at the venue and seeing how the venue operates."

‘Better security'​

He added: “Theatres, music venues, pubs and bars and night clubs [need to be] making their security that much better. Everyone needs to be alert.”

Shortly after the Manchester attack Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) chief executive Kate Nicholls told MA ​pubs were focal points for members of the public in need of help.

She said: “Hospitality venues have been a focal point for members of the public in need of help recently and venues have been very helpful in providing assistance and reassurance.”

MA ​has contacted the ALMR for comment on last night’s attack and what that could mean for London pubs and is waiting for a response.

• ADVICE: Pubs given legal advice to improve safety while the threat of terrorism is high​​