LONDON, March 22 (Xinhua) -- British police confirmed that deal toll in Wednesday's terror attack outside the Parliament in central London has risen to five.

Emergency services staff transfer an injured person outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain on March 22, 2017. British police on Wednesday shot a suspected attacker outside the Houses of Parliament in London after an officer was stabbed in a "terrorist" incident described by the police. The building was cordoned off immediately. A vehicle struck several people on the nearby Westminster Bridge. (Xinhua/Tim Ireland)

Metro Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley told reporters that about 40 people were injured in the attack.

Rowley, also London's top anti-terror officer, said that the officer who died in the attack has been named as Keith Palmer, who was 48 and had 15 years service as a police officer.

He said he would not comment on the identity of the attacker, although he suggested the police was aware of who the assailant was.

The attacker was shot dead after stabbing Palmer. The other three victims were all civilians, the police officer said.