Trump pledges support for UK after London terror tweet barrage

Donald Trump has said he will do "everything in our power to assist the UK" following the London terror attacks.

However, he avoided mentioning his earlier outbursts on Twitter that had used the London attacks to push for the reinstatement of a travel ban from mainly Muslim countries and another that criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Speaking at an annual fundraiser for Ford's Theatre in Washington DC, the US President said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Theresa May and "expressed our unwavering support for our allies in the United Kingdom".

Standing on stage with his wife and First Lady Melania, he added that the US "will do everything in our power to assist the United Kingdom and its citizens as they work to protect their country and to bring those that are guilty to justice".

"America sends our thoughts, our prayers and our deepest sympathies to the victims of this evil slaughter and we renew our resolve stronger than ever before: To protect the United States and its allies from a vile enemy that has waged war on innocent life and it's gone on too long.

"This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end."

Image:Seven people were killed and dozens injured in London on Saturday night

The words came just hours after a barrage of London-related tweets to his 31.5 million followers that offended and embarrassed some on both sides of the Atlantic.

Shortly after three terrorists had deliberately hit pedestrians on London Bridge before getting out of their van to stab people, Mr Trump tweeted: "We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the travel ban as an extra level of safety!"

The ban has been blocked by US courts but last week, Mr Trump's administration formally asked the Supreme Court to allow it to take effect, arguing that restricting immigration by refugees and visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen is necessary for national security.

A few minutes after his first tweet, he seemed to have had a re-think and opted for a more diplomatic tone instead, tweeting: "Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - We are with you. God bless!."