Asked about reports of a number of suspects running away from the van, the Met police said that was a key line of inquiry at the start of investigation.

"But from what we are seeing and what witnesses are reporting to us there was nobody else in the van, it appears that this time this attacker attacked alone," Dep Asst Commissioner Basu said.

"This is not to say we are not investigating the full circumstances of how he came to be where he was but at this point in time there was nobody else in the van."

At that briefing, Dep Asst Commissioner Basu said the restraint of the public "in the circumstances was commendable" as it came at an "incredibly challenging time for London and emergency services are stretched".

The foreign secretary and former London mayor tweets...

Sarah Lee
BBC London, at the scene

As the London rush hour begins, more and more people begin to gather around the cordon in the morning heat.

A helicopter hums above me.

Onlookers look concerned, squinting down the street at flashing blue lights behind a police cordon.

Elisa Williamson was on her way to work when she stopped for a moment to pay her respects.

"I woke up this morning to more sad news. It really is distressing how this world sees violence as the answer.

"I feel so sad for the victim and the injured - and their families too.

"I just hope that there won't be another attack in response to this. People don't need to die.

"Peace, that's all we need - quite simply."

Image source, Getty Images

Mr Basu thanked the people who helped restrain the attacker immediately afterwards.

He said: "At this early stage in the investigation, no other suspects have been identified or reported to the police and there were no reports of anyone having suffered knife injuries."

He added that the van had been examined by specialist officers but nothing that would cause harm was found inside.

He said extra officers have been deployed across the city for reassurance.

A hotline has been set up for anyone who has information or concerns about this incident. Its number is: 0800 789 321

More from that police media briefing outside Scotland Yard..

The Met said a 48-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Basu confirmed all of the victims were members of the Muslim community.

One person died at the scene, eight are in hospital and two were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

He did not give many details about the injuries but did say at least two people were "very seriously injured".

Neil Basu, the Met Police's deputy assistant commissioner has just given a media briefing.

He said: "This was an attack on all Londoners and we should all stand together against extremists whatever their cause."

He added that officers were at the scene at the time of the attack so were able to instantly respond. Additional officers were on the scene within 10 minutes.

More to come...

Picture gallery showing scene of incident and final position of the van.

Image source, Reuters

Today Programme
BBC Radio 4

Fiyaz Mughal said following the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London there had been "very large spikes" in hatred towards Muslims.

He is the founder of Tell Mama which records anti-Muslim incidents in the UK and aims to tackle them.

Mr Mughal told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The way it works is pretty much there are very large spikes or spikes, we call them measurable spikes, after major terrorist incidences, so Islamist extremist incidences create the largest spikes we see.

"We saw that very clearly after Manchester, a very high peak, we saw that clearly after London Bridge, we didn't see it after Westminster.

"These peaks of anti-Muslim hate incidences reported do go up in very high numbers after terrorist incidences."

Prayers were held near the scene of the attack.

Chris Mason
Political Correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said what has happened in Finsbury Park is being treated by the police "as a terrorist incident."

She added that "Londoners have been hit with a series of attacks and have actually been nothing short of heroic."

Ms Rudd said: "We have again woken up to a terrible incident in London. A man has taken hold of a van and driven it into a group of innocent people in Finsbury Park. There is one fatality that we know about and a number of casualties."

She added she didn't yet know anything about the attacker as it was the early stages of the investigation.

Asked why the Metropolitan Police didn't immediately describe what happened as terrorism, she added: "It was treated immediately as a suspected terrorist attack. We must allow the police to deal with the facts, and they will make sure they make those facts available as soon as they can."

The Muslim Welfare House, a group which provides support for the local area, said the Muslim community was horrified.

"We have worked very hard over decades to build a peaceful and tolerant community here in Finsbury Park and we totally condemn any act of hate that tries to drive our wonderful community apart.

"We would appeal for calm at this time. It is unhelpful for there to be speculation about the incident.

"All of our efforts should be towards getting justice for the victims and ensuring our community stays the diverse, tolerant and welcome place we know it to be."

Sarah Lee
BBC London, at the scene

Atif badeer, 24, said he was also at the mosque last night.

In a short interview, he said 'People are dying for nothing - where are the government now?

"Something needs to be done. It's becoming way too frequent."

He held his eyes while talking to me in anger.

"some kids got knocked over you know - kids. This man just didn't care. He was pleased with himself.

"It's just too much."

BBC London Travel
BBC Radio London Travel

For those in the area, some roads have been closed.

They are:

• Seven Sisters Road between Hornsey Road and Blackstock Road.
• Isledon Road

Finsbury Park station is on the edge of the cordon. It remains open but the Seven Sisters Road entrance and exit is closed.

Six bus routes are on diversion.

Today Programme
BBC Radio 4

Hamza Nimane, an eyewitness, described the attack saying he saw "at least seven people" lying on the floor and said they "looked dead".

"People expect to come out of the mosque and go back to their homes safe," he said.

BBC political correspondent Chris Mason tweets...

Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim offers its support to victims of the attack.

Sarah Lee
BBC London, at the scene

One man, Abdul Abdulahi was there two minutes before it happened.

The 18-year-old said he knows many who were hit - but luckily he was not. If he was there two minutes earlier he would have "100% been hit", he said.

He came back and saw people on the floor.

"The man targeted Muslims, he knew what he was doing. The route he took was only allowed for buses and taxis - he wasn't meant to be on that road. So his incentive was a racist attack."

He said hate crimes were becoming more frequent.

"Radicalisation will just increase now. People will act up. It will just add fuel to the fire."

Abdul attended the mosque last night and saw the aftermath.

Describing it, he said: "It was a very shocking scene. I heard many shouting at the man - why did you do this?

"The attacker was blowing kisses when he was arrested. He looked indifferent - he knew what he was doing."