"WE are not afraid" is the message from Redditch's Council leader Bill Hartnett following yesterday's Westminster terror attack.

The town hall has today lowered the flag as a sign of respect and sympathy after a terror attack rocked Westminster - with a crazed knifeman running over pedestrians in a car and stabbing a police officer before being shot dead.

Several Worcestershire MPs were held on lockdown inside the Commons as the horrifying incident unfolded.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley was at her home in the town recovering from her illness.

She tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the police officer killed today. They all look after us so well."

Council leader councillor Bill Hartnett said: “This was a tragic and shocking terrorist attack right in the heart of London on Westminster Bridge and at the gates of Parliament.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of PC keith Palmer who was murdered in this terror attack and with the other innocent people who were killed and injured."

Redditch mayor councillor Joe Baker added: "As mayor of Redditch my thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and families of those in the London attack.

"This act of terrorism will not stop the work of those of us who will continue to fight for a world of equality, diversity and inclusion of all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality or political standing.

"United we stand strong, we cannot let fear dictate our lifestyle or make us hide away."

He added: "Today we lowered the flag and had a one minute silence in respect for those who lost their lives or who were injured and affected by the event."

It comes as police have confirmed that a raid carried out in Birmingham this morning was connected to yesterday's terrorist attack at Westminster.

Hagley Road was closed before being reopened at around 2am.

Early reports suggest officers were at an address linked to where the car, used in the attack, was rented.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Rowley, from the Metropolitan police, said this morning that police searched six addresses and made seven arrests overnight in London and Birmingham.

There have been unconfirmed reports that up to three people were arrested following the raid in Birmingham.

Two people died after a car drove into people walking on Westminster Bridge and another 40 were injured yesterday.

PC Keith Palmer, an unarmed policeman, also died after being stabbed near to Parliament before armed police shot and killed his attacker.