Swindon candidates react to London attack as PM confirms election will go ahead

The attack, which saw three attackers ram a van into pedestrians before launching a stabbing spree, came just four days before the country goes to the polls.

The timing means that unlike in the aftermath of the recent Manchester bombing, campaiging cannot be halted for an extended period of time.

In a defiant statement from Downing Street, the Prime Minister confirmed that while national campaigning will be suspended today, all campaigns will resume in full tomorrow.

UKIP are the only party to decide not to suspend national campaiging today.

However, for the most part, local campaign activity is expected to continue with canvassing and small scale gatherings going on as usual as we move towards polling day on Thursday.

Candidates standing in Swindon in the upcoming General Election have been responding to last night's events on social media.

The Green Party's Swindon North candidate, Andy Bentley, said: "The brutal attacks in London cast a long shadow over the country.

"My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Light will prevail."

Sarah Church, Labour's candidate in South Swindon, tweeted: "Sad and dreadful news from London this morning - thoughts with everyone affected and again so much admiration for emergency service response."

North Swindon Conservative candidate, Justin Tomlinson, tweeted: "Heroic response from the emergency services following the horrific events in London. Thoughts and prayers with the victims & families."

The North Swindon Labour Party has said that "as a mark of respect for the people killed or injured in the terrorist attack" they have taken a local decision to suspend campaigning today.

In line with the decision of his party leader nationally, UKIP's South Swindon candidate, Martin Costello, said: "We shall carry on on campaigning. This is what the victims would have wanted."

We will continue to bring you more reaction throughout the day as we get it.