Hertsmere's MP has paid his respects to the victims of the terrorist attack that killed five people outside the Houses of Parliament.

Oliver Dowden was inside the building when the attack took place on Wednesday afternoon and was locked in for five hours while security services made sure it was safe.

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He said: “It was a very sombre atmosphere in Parliament following the attack on Wednesday.

“From my office I could see what was happening. I went in to vote and I heard a noise but did not think anything of it.

“Being in the location we are we often hear cars backfiring and I just thought it was that.

“But an alarm went off and we were shut and locked inside the chamber for the next five hours until we were told we could leave.

“It was quite calm inside the chamber and we all knew we were safe in there.”

Mr Dowden said the roads along Westminster Bridge and near the Houses of Parliament were still closed on Thursday morning.

He said: “All of our thoughts are with the victims of the attack and in particular the family of the police officer who was killed.

“He died protecting those inside Parliament. It was a very sad and quiet day.”