Police have confirmed they are treating the stabbings, which ended with a man being shot by police, as a terrorist incident.

The UK’s terrorism threat level was downgraded on November 4 from “severe” to “substantial”, meaning that attacks were thought to be “likely” rather than “highly likely”.

At the time, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Substantial continues to indicate a high level of threat, and an attack might well occur without further warning.

“As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police.”