HAMPSHIRE politicians and community figures have appealed for calm and unity after a terror attack in London left seven people dead and 48 people injured.

The attack at London Bridge involved a white van which hit several pedestrians on London Bridge just after 10pm on Saturday.

Shortly afterwards, the van then proceeded to Borough Market where three men got out and stabbed a police officer and revellers with 12-inch knives, reportedly shouting “this is for Allah”.

Leading politicians, police and religious figures in Hampshire strongly condemned the attack and issued messages of solidarity and defiance yesterday, while British Transport Police said it was stepping up patrols at key railway interchanges across Hampshire and the South East, especially key routes into London.

A minute’s silence was held at the starting line of Romsey’s five mile beer race yesterday, while 300 candles were lit at Romsey Abbey.

Councillor Roy Perry, the leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “My sympathy and condolences are with those directly affected.

“Hampshire people of all faiths condemn these outrageous attacks and we must not allow them to destroy our freedom and democracy.

“I’m making arrangements for the Hampshire flag to be flown at half-mast as they did in Manchester and Brussels.”

A statement from the Hampshire Police Federation said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured.

“Through the evil we witnessed we also saw the incredibly brave and professional response of our colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, the City of London Police and the British Transport Police.

“A BTP officer who was first on the scene was attacked and suffered serious injuries, we pray for his recovery.

“In these worrying times it is important we remain calm and look out for each other.”

Southampton Medina Mosque issued a statement from Harun Khan, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, who were angered by the attacks.

He said: “These acts of violence were truly shocking and I condemn them in the strongest terms.

“Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons.

“That this should happen in this month of Ramadan when many Muslims were praying and fasting only goes to show that these people respect neither life nor faith.

“My prayers are with the victims and all those affected, I commend the work of our emergency services working hard to keep us safe and cope with the ensuing carnage.

“As ever we urge everyone to assist the authorities so that these criminals can be apprehended and brought to justice.”

Michael Lane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, said: “My thoughts, and those I am sure of the communities I serve, will be with all those affected by the events in London.”

Conservative councillor Chris Whitehouse, of Newport West ward, whose consultancy business offices are in the area, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, both dead and injured, and their families.

“Borough is a vibrant, exciting, up-and-coming area - that’s why we moved there.

“I can only express my hope that this won’t change and that the local community, our neighbours, will stand united against those who perpetrate such dreadful atrocities.”

Olivia Pinkney, chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary, tweeted: “Thoughts from all at Hampshire Police for all affected by the attack in London.”

Catherine Ogle, the Bishop of Winchester, tweeted: “Praying for everyone caught up in this attack and for Southwark Cathedral in its loving ministry.

“God bless you all.”

The three attackers were pictured wearing what appeared to be explosive vests, with Scotland Yard later confirming they were hoaxes.

The attackers were shot dead by eight officers who fired 50 bullets. A member of the public was accidentally shot and four police officers were injured, two seriously.

Police have arrested 12 people in connection with the incident following raids on several flats.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan Police said officers were treating the incident as terrorism and additional police would be deployed in the capital.

Prime Minister Theresa May said “enough is enough” and that “we cannot pretend that things can continue as they are” insisting that the general election will still be held on Thursday.

She made a private visit to King’s College Hospital in south London to visit some of the injured yesterday afternoon.

It is the third terror attack in the UK in three months, following the car and knife attack in Westminster in March, in which five people were killed, and the Manchester bombing at an Ariana Grande concert less than two weeks ago, in which 22 people were killed.

Most political parties suspended national general election campaigning, but the prime minister said full campaigning would resume today.

There will be a minute’s silence tomorrow at 11am in remembrance of those who lost their lives and all others affected by the attacks, Downing Street has said.

Ariana Grande’s concert in tribute to the Manchester bombing victims went ahead as planned last night, though security was stepped up even further in the wake of the latest terror attack.

About 50,000 fans attended the gig at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground in a bid to raise funds for the victims’ families.