How To Help After The UK Parliament Attack

Early Wednesday afternoon, several were injured and one was killed in an attack outside the UK Parliament. In the aftermath of the attack that shook a country, many may be wondering how to help following the UK Parliament attack. Because, in times of tragedy, it's important for those who can help do so.

Update: According to the Associated Press, British police late Wednesday evening raised the death toll in the Parliament attack to five. At least 40 people were injured.

The attack, which is being deemed a terrorist act until further information is revealed, started on the Westminster Bridge. According to the BBC, an assailant in a 4x4 drove down the bridge and "mowed over" about a dozen people. The assailant then made his way to UK Parliament, where the BBC reported that he stabbed a police officer. Shortly after doing so, Al Jazeera reported that the alleged assailant was taken out by a police officer. "The alleged assailant was shot by armed police, an ambulance is currently attending the scene to remove the casualties," House Leader David Lidington told the publication. It wasn't clear if the attacker was dead or alive, but during the incident ITV News political correspondent Emily Morgan tweeted that "an ambulance has left with who we think is an assailant." She also shared on social media that those injured on the bridge were being treated outside Westminster Palace.

As of now, according to The Guardian, one woman has been confirmed dead in the attack. The publication also reported that others were hurt, "some with 'catastrophic' injuries."

When an attack of any nature occurs, many people's first thought is "how can I help." Because the incident is still being investigated and the motive of the attack is unclear, there is some uncertainty as to how people in London and even overseas can be of service. That being said, there are a few ways to assist the people of London in their time of need.

For those who were near the Westminster Bridge and UK Parliament at the time of the attack, the Metropolitan Police are requesting any videos or photos from the scene. "If you have photos or film of the incident in #Westminster, please make sure you pass them to police http://www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk," the organization wrote on Twitter.

The organization also asked that citizens report any suspicious activities to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline. "Incident in #Westminster: Please report anything suspicious to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 123," the Metropolitan Police tweeted. "In an emergency call 999."

The Met Contact Center is also asking for citizens help. Given the influx of calls, the organization asked that people only reach out for emergency assistance. "Our lines are busy, please dial 999 for emergencies only," the organization tweeted. "You can tweet us for non emergency enquiries #London#Westminster."

Additionally, although no Westminster hospitals have expressed a need for blood donations, it never hurts to donate if you can. Depending on how severe the injuries are, donations likely won't be turned down.

As of now, it's unclear how people overseas can be of service. But Romper will continue to monitor the incident and report on any updates.