MEMBERS of an elite SAS unit was flown into London Bridge to help track down terrorists feared to be on the loose after the bloodbath.
Some of the 70-strong ‘Blue Thunder’ squad – named for the unmarked helicopter they use for operations – flew in from their Hereford HQ to join the hunt on Saturday night before police confirmed that all the attackers were shot and killed at the scene.
While it was initially feared as many as five terrorists carried out the attack, police later confirmed a group of only three wearing stabproof vests launched a vicious knife attack on drinkers at the Wheatsheaf pub in Borough Market shortly after a van mowed down pedestrians on nearby London Bridge.
It is understood that three of the terror gang were shot or captured at the scene by armed cops.
But one of the terrorists was feared to have slipped away, which sparked a major police operation to safeguard people in the area before it was confirmed the third suspect had also been killed.
SAS troops used to carrying out raids following the Manchester bombing are said to have joined police in the massive manhunt for the missing terrorists.
Their presence came as a war zone atmosphere gripped the capital in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.
Cops went into nearby bars and restaurants and ordered drinkers and diners to take cover under tables and not to move from the premises.
Nearby offices, including The Sun, went into lockdown as the area was sealed off.
People out in the streets were also marched along Borough High Street by police with their hands in the air, amid fears the terrorists could have been trying to mingle with them to get through the dragnet.
When revellers were asked if they had been told to put their hands up, one said “no” but added “it seemed like the right thing to do” and they had seen other people doing it. Later, batches of people were escorted over London Bridge by police.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The Metropolitan Police are responding to the horrific terrorist attack at London Bridge and Borough Market.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I’d like to thank the brave men and women of our emergency services who were first on the scene and will be working throughout the night.”
“The situation is still unfolding and I would ask all Londoners and visitors to our city to remain calm and vigilant.”
The horror incident in the capital came 12 days after the Manchester terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert, which killed 22 people.
Twisted killer Salman Abedi blew himself up as streams of young children and parents left the US singer’s gig at the MEN Arena on May 22.
Members of the public walk with their hands above their head to show they are not terrorists
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