British police arrest 12 over London attacks

"The investigation into last night's horrific attack in London is progressing rapidly as the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) continue to piece together exactly what occurred," the force said in a statement.

It added that "a number of addresses" in Barking were still being searched.

Four women wearing Islamic veils over their faces were seen being led away by police by an AFP photographer, although it was not clear whether they were among those arrested.

There were several police vehicles outside a block of flats that had been cordoned off.

Sky News had previously reported the arrest of four men following a raid by armed police at 7:00 am (0600 GMT), as well as one woman who was then released.

Three men rammed a van through crowds of pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday, before attacking revellers with knives, leaving seven people dead and 48 in hospital.

The assailants were shot dead at the scene, although police are still seeking to establish whether they had accomplices.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick earlier told reporters: "We believe the threat that they posed was neutralised.

"Of course it's a very complex and confused scene, and a confused series of events.

"So it's important that we first of all make sure there is no one else outstanding. We don't believe there is, but we must make absolutely certain of that.

"We have a very large investigation ongoing, and we will be seeking to establish whether anyone else was working with or assisting in any way or helping in the planning of this attack."