Cardinal Nichols expresses shock at London attack

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster has expressed his shock following the terror attack which took place near the British Houses of Parliament on Wednesday leaving four people dead and dozens injured.

Speaking to BBC Radio Essex the Cardinal offered his prayers for those who died and those who grieving.

See below the full transcript provided by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales.

"Like everybody I was very shocked as the news started to come through this afternoon and now, as we just look back, I think first of the families of the people who have lost their lives. I pray for the dead and I pray for those who will mourn their loss very deeply.

"It'll be especially tragic for the families of the young French visitors who, I understand, have been seriously injured.

"Clearly my first thoughts are for the victims and for those who will mourn and be in considerable shock.

"And then, of course, it's important as a society that we hold our nerve, keep calm, and let the story unfold and the information be established as to what exactly has taken place.

"As police commissioners have said to me, it's always a combination of being calm but very vigilant."