Public figures across south-east London and north Kent have come together to express solidarty in the wake of a terror attack that killed three innocent people, including a police officer, in Westminster.

Pc Keith Palmer, a former Bromley officer and lifelong Charlton Athletic fan, was murdered outside the Houses of Parliament by a man police have named as Khalid Masood.

The other victims, who were mowed down as they crossed Westminster Bridge, have been named as mother-of-two Aysha Frade, 43, and American tourist Kurt Cochran, in his 50s.

Local politicians from across the News Shopper area have paid their respects to those who lost their lives and condemned the act of terrorism.

They have also praised the actions of the emergency services and issued statements of solidarity.

Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham said, "The incident at Parliament yesterday was shocking and my thoughts are for those who were killed and injured as well as their families.

"The response of the emergency services has been swift and reassuring.

"In particular we pay our respects to the bravery and commitment of the officers of the Metropolitan Police who tragically lost PC Keith Palmer and had other officers injured as they worked to keep our city safe.

‘Whatever the identity of the perpetrator no one should turn on others who might share his background. Lewisham’s diversity and solidarity makes our communities stronger. We stand together.”

Denise Hyland, Leader of Greenwich Council wrote on Twitter: “Shocked and saddened at the terrorist strike at Parliament and on Westminster Bridge.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Councillor Jonathon Hawkes, shadow leader of Dartford borough Council posted a statement on Facebook.

He said: “Many Dartford residents – myself included- travel up to London every day to work or to socialise.

“As we do so we may not always see the hard work and dedication of those in public service who work tirelessly to keep us safe– but we feel it, we experience it and we constantly have cause to be thankful for it.

“PC Palmer’s family, friends and colleagues are faced with the most indescribable loss and grief today. We grieve with them. We also pay tribute to his bravery and understand that those who put themselves in danger to protect everything we hold dear – our freedoms, our democracy, our way of life – are heroes.

“I’m in London today. Parliament is still cordoned off but in many ways, it is exactly as it was at this time yesterday.

“We grieve , we reflect, we resolve to continue to be vigilant against threats to our communities – but we carry on. Those who try to divide us will never succeed and those who attempt to use fear and terror to impose their world view will learn that our resolve and solidarity – our values – will always be stronger.

“Dartford is a different place to London but we share the same strong sense of community, understanding of the shared values that bind us together and the celebration of our differences.

“All our thoughts are with those who were injured or lost their lives yesterday. We share the sadness and the anger – but we are not afraid because we know that we all have more in common than divides us."

Kent Police flew the Union flag at half-mast outside the headquarters.

There has also been an increased police presence on the streets of south-east London and north Kent to reassure the public.

News Shopper:

Photo: Kent Police

Bromley MPS tweeted: “Despite the tragic events of yesterday, your police officers will be carrying on today working to keep your streets safe!”

Lewisham MPS shared a photo on Twitter with the caption :”Out and about with #SgtBiddle to provide reassurance to our lovely #Lewisham people.”

Last night after the attack Greenwich MPS said: “13 #Greenwich @MPSSpecials have either come in at short notice or stayed on for extra hours to help police London this evening & tonight.”