HOVE MP Peter Kyle has spoken of his horror at yesterday’s terrorist attack outside the Houses of Parliament that left a police officer murdered.

The officer died after being stabbed.

Two other people died and at least 20 others were injured after the attacker drove into them in a car on Westminster Bridge

The assailant was shot and killed by armed police

Mr Kyle said: “Ever since I became an MP I’ve always been very aware of the women and men in front of the building I work in, putting themselves in harm’s way to keep people like me safe.

“It makes me feel incredibly humble and words cannot describe my gratitude.

“My job right now is to sit quietly in my office and allow these brave officers to do their job.

“Sitting as I am right now so close to where terror is unfolding, my heart is aching for those outside who are suffering.”

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, the co-leader of the Green Party, said: “Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the attacks and we send deep thanks to the public servants who responded so quickly, bravely, and with care to treat the injured and minimise the number of casualties.

“We pay tribute to the lives that were so sadly lost and in particular to the police officer who died in the line of duty – we are truly in his debt.

“The response to such a heinous attack must be to strengthen our democracy, and refuse to give in to those who would harm it.”

Home Secretary Amber Rudd – the MP for Hastings and Rye –thanked the emergency services for their quick response and paid tribute to their bravery, courage and professionalism.

She said: “We do not yet know the full impact of this terrible incident. But I know that the whole country will be thinking and praying for those who are affected, as I am.

“I have been briefed by the Met Police and by the security services and the security minister has also been updated.

“The Government’s top priority is the security of its people and I urge everyone to remain calm but to be vigilant and if they see anything they are concerned about they should report it to the police.

“We have the best police, the best security services in the world and we must make sure that we let them get on with doing their job.

“The British people will be united in working together to defeat those who would harm our shared values. Values of democracy, tolerance and the rule of law. Values symbolised by the Houses of Parliament. Values that will never be destroyed.”

West Worthing MP Sir Peter Bottomley described the incident as a tragedy for innocent bystanders but said Parliament had survived worse attacks, including the bombing of the chamber during the Second World War, and would survive this latest onslaught.

A group of French schoolchildren were also on the bridge and three were injured.

Sébastien Jumel, the Mayor of Dieppe, sent a personal message of support to the residents of Brighton and Hove after the attack.

He said: “I would like to express my solidarity with our British friends who have been affected by the attack which occurred outside Parliament, a symbol of democracy, one year after the terror attacks in Brussels.

“My first thoughts go to the victims and their families.

“I would also like to express my deep and unswerving friendship towards the Mayors of Brighton and Newhaven, a city and a town at the other end of our ferry line, with whom we share strong links and have fruitful contacts and exchanges.”