ARGYLL and Bute MP Brendan O'Hara has expressed his sympathy for the victims of the attack outside the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.

Four people - including a police officer and the perpetrator - died and up to 20 were injured in the attack.

Mr O'Hara was not in London at the time of the attack, having travelled north to his constituency ahead of a meeting with Highlands and Islands Enterprise officials on Thursday.

He tweeted: "My thoughts & prayers are with those who died today at Westminster. Thank you to courageous police officers who protect us every single day."

Speaking to the Advertiser as details of the attack began to emerge on Wednesday evening, Mr O'Hara said: "The scenes are quite harrowing. I've been in contact with colleagues at Westminster who are, thankfully, shaken but safe. 

"My thoughts are with all those caught up in what happened today and with the families of those who died or were injured.

"The way the police responded today really shows the unbelievable professionalism of those who protect the Houses of Parliament and the people who work there.

"A lot of their work goes unseen by the public but today we saw them at their best."