BREAKING: Sheffield students caught up in 'terror attack' in Westminster

A group of about 40 from the university's journalism department are in lockdown in Portcullis House after this afternoon's incident.

The BBC is reporting that a police officer was stabbed outside the Houses of Parliament. The alleged attacker was then shot by armed police officers.

Lydia Chantler-Hicks, a 22-year-old masters student, said the group had been in the main atrium of the building when they heard shouting.

"People were running in and closing the security doors at the entrance where we came in," she said.

"We heard what we think may have been a gunshot and there was some confusion.

"We heard shouts of 'armed police' and everyone started moving to higher levels.

"We were instructed to get right to the back and stay away from the glass."

Lydia said the group was unsure what had happened but had heard a police officer had been stabbed and several people had been run over.

But she praised the actions of the emergency services in the confusion.

"Everyone in charge was very calm - there was no shouting," she said.

"So we are all feeling concerned for the people outside, but just glad that we are all safe. We just want to know what's happening."

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