In pics: Chaos outside UK Parliament after a cop stabbed; assailant shot dead

British police shot a suspected attacker outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Wednesday after an officer was stabbed in what police said was a “terrorist” incident. Reports also say that one woman has been killed.

British police shot a suspected attacker outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Wednesday after an officer was stabbed in what was described as a “terrorist” incident.

Armed police officers guard at a police cordon outside the Houses of Parliament in central London on March 22, 2017 during an emergency incident. (AFP Photo)

According to witness reports, a car also ploughed into several bystanders on the nearby Westminster Bridge before crashing into railings outside parliament.

The building in the heart of the British capital was immediately sealed off and MPs and staff ordered to remain inside.

“We are treating this as a terrorist incident until we know otherwise,” police said in a statement.

The incident comes with Europe on high alert after a series of deadly jihadist attacks

In this image taken from video police officers gather around a car adjacent to Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 23, 2017 after the House of Commons sitting was suspended as witnesses reported sounds like gunfire outside. (AP Photo)

Police officers stand by as people are escorted off the pods of the London Eye after it was stopped following an attack on Westminster Bridge in London, Britain March 22, 2017. (REUTERS Photo)

Police forensic officers at the scene close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017. (AP Photo)

A member of the public is treated by emergency services near Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament on March 22, 2017 in London, England. (Getty Images)

A member of the public is taken away for treatment by emergency services near Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament on March 22, 2017 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, centre, stands amongst the emergency services at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster, London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017. (AP Photo)

Emergency services transport an injured person to an ambulance, close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017. (AP Photo)

Injured people are assisted after an incident on Westminster Bridge in London, March 22, 2017. (REUTERS Photo)

Police officers walk through Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 23, 2017 after the House of Commons sitting was suspended as witnesses reported sounds like gunfire outside. (AP Photo)

An air ambulance lands in Parliament Square during an incident on Westminster Bridge in London, Britain March 22, 2017. (REUTERS PHOTO)

Armed police respond outside Parliament during an incident on Westminster Bridge in London, Britain March 22, 2017. (REUTERS Photo)

A woman ducks under a police tape after an incident on Westminster Bridge in London, March 22, 2017. (REUTERS Photo)

Police tapes off Parliament Square after reports of loud bangs, in London, Britain, March 22, 2017. (Reuters Photo)