Kent's MPs have reacted to a terror attack which saw a car crash into the security barriers outside the Houses of Parliament earlier today.

Armed police were called to the scene at around 7.40am, as horrified witnesses watched a vehicle plough into members of the public.

A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, and a woman is being treated in hospital for serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Speaking shortly after the attack, Housing, Communities and Local Government secretary James Brokenshire said: "Our thoughts are very firmly with those affected by this incident and I pay tribute to our emergency services for responding so quickly.

"The Met Police counter-terrorism unit are leading the inquiry and they remain open-minded about the incident."

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson added: "I believe that even the most stupid terrorist would have worked out that with parliament in recess to launch an attack at 7.40am when nobody is about would be the worst possible time.

"But whatever the reason behind it people have been injured and that is wrong and my heart goes out to those who have been injured."