Today our shock at what happened on the streets of our city remains.
The investigation into the shocking murder of a serving soldier yesterday is ongoing, and is of course a major investigation for us.
It is only right that the ongoing investigations are allowed to take place, and they must take as long as is needed without anyone pre-empting what they may conclude. I would ask for Londoners help and support for us to continue. Please remain calm. London is at its best when we all come together and now is the time to do that.
One point I would like to address is around some of the speculation as to how long it took the Met to respond yesterday as this incident started to unfold. We first received a 999 call from the public at 14:20hrs stating a man was being attacked, further 999 calls stated that the attackers were in possession of a gun. We had officers at the scene within 9 minutes of receiving that first 999 call.
Once that information about a gun or guns being present was known firearms officers were assigned at 14:24hrs. Firearms officers were there and dealing with the incident 10 minutes after they were assigned, 14 minutes after the first call to the Met.
What is even more important today is that we continue to work together, and we are working with our communities. We are here to listen and understand the concerns that this brutal attack will have raised.
The Borough Commander in Greenwich held a meeting with community leaders last night and we are grateful for the support from the public.
There has been an increased police presence in Woolwich and the surrounding areas overnight and this will continue for as long as it is needed. We will continue to monitor the situation throughout.
There were small incidents of minor disorder in Woolwich last night, but these were closely monitored and dealt with, where appropriate, by officers in the area. There were no arrests or reports of any injuries or damage and there have been no further incidents reported.
We urge anyone who filmed or took photos as events unfolded in John Wilson Street to send them to police via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - please include your name and contact details, which will be treated in strictest confidence. Alternatively contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321.
