European leaders sent messages of sympathy and solidarity via social media as the incident in London last night marked the 13th major terror attack in Europe since 2015.

Leaders from across Europe have reacted to the ‘horrific’ attack in London last night, after seven people were killed following a terrorist incident in the capital.

Police were called at around 10.08pm to reports of a white van striking pedestrians as it veered onto the pavement across London Bridge.

The van then continued to Borough Market, where three men left the vehicle and began to stab people.

%image(15381929, type="article-full", alt="Emergency personnel tend to wounded on London Bridge as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge. Picture: YUI MOK / PA WIRE")

The three suspects were shot by police at Borough Market eight minutes after the first call.

President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, said: “We mourn in solidarity with the victims and the families of heinous London Bridge attack. These acts must be stopped.”

Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy offered “solidarity and support” and Lithuania’s President Dalia Grybauskaite said that the “London spirit” was “stronger than fear”.

%image(15381515, type="article-full", alt="Police officers with riot shields on Borough High Street, amid reports that a vehicle collided with pedestrians on London Bridge and reports of stabbings in Borough Market. Picture: DOMINIC LIPINSKI / PA WIRE.")

Belgian PM Charles Michel said: “A new tragedy in London, we all stand with UK.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement that she learned with “sadness and dismay” of the attack.

She said: “Today, we are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination.

“In the fight against every form of terrorism, we stand firmly and with determination at Britain’s side.”

The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said: “My heart and mind are in London after another cowardly attack. Europe stands by UK in fight against terrorism.”

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: “Following latest London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.”

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives and with everyone who has been harmed or affected by these terrible incidents.”

This attack is the 13th major terror incident that has hit Europe since 2015:

• January 7, 2015 - 12 people killed in Charlie Hebdo attack.

• November 13, 2015 - 130 people kills during the attacks in Paris.

• March 22, 2016 - 32 people killed after bombings in Brussels.

• July 14, 2016 - 84 people killed in Nice after lorry attack.

• July 22, 2016 - Nine people killed during Munich shooting.

• July 26, 2016 - One person killed at a church in Normandy.

• December 19, 2016 - 12 people killed after lorry attack in Berlin.

• February 2, 2017 - Attempted knife attack in Louvre, France. No one was killed.

• March 22, 2017 - Five people killed during Westminster attack in London.

• April 7, 2017 - Four people killed in truck attack in Stockholm.

• April 20, 2017 - One person killed during a shooting in Paris.

• May 22, 2017 - 22 people killed at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

• June 3, 2017 - Seven people killed in London after a white van strikes pedestrians along London Bridge.