The man who stabbed two people on the London Bridge on November 29 was linked to Islamic terrorist groups and had been detained.

"He was released from prison about a year ago after agreeing to wear electronic surveillance," an anonymous security source said. A passerby who joins in control of the knife guy said he was in the same prison as the perpetrator.

An attacker wearing a fake suicide bomb belt has stabbed many people through the bridge area of London, in central England before being knocked down and disarmed by some. The police arrived at the scene and shot the attacker dead, calling it a terrorist attack. At least two people were killed in the attack, some seriously injured.

Uzbekistan witness Ulug Bek, 23, described the person being shot by the police as "from the Middle East, around 30 years old, wearing a gray jacket, black pants, sneakers and carrying a small bag". Witness Dave Howell, 51, said police shouted that the culprit had a bomb and asked people to flee the bridge, then "about 10-12 shots" rang out.

Witnesses said the culprit holding a knife about 50 cm long was 3-4 pursued from Fishmongers'Hall building. "One holds a stick and another holds a fire extinguisher. The perpetrator was punched, sprayed with a fire extinguisher, and beaten with a stick," said witness Gary Lawrence, 48.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked the police and emergency rescue services for their prompt response. The Mayor of London praised those who "acted heroically when they came to control the culprits without fear of danger". The US condemned the attack and pledged to support its allies.

An attack occurred at the London Bridge in June 2017. Three parts from Islamic extremists drove small trucks into pedestrians and attacked others at Borough market, killing at least eight people. Police shot and killed three attackers.

Location of London Bridge, where the knife thrust occurred on November 29. Graphics: Google.