Hundreds of people may be struggling with mental health issues related to the spree of London terror attacks in 2017, a leading doctor has said.

Dr Idit Albert, clinical lead for London terrorist incidents, believes up to 400 people may be suffering without receiving medical treatment.

She said many of these people will have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the attacks in London Bridge, Westminster Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green.

Fourteen people died in the atrocities, while dozens of others were injured.

As a response to the attacks, a psychological trauma outreach, screen and support system was set up and has seen high recovery rates, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Early results suggest that 94% of those treated saw their main difficulties addressed.

However people wait an average of 10 years to seek treatment for PTSD, the medical body said, while experts estimate 70% of sufferers do not seek treatment.

Dr Albert, of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said the UK urgently needs emergency plans to support people affected by major incidents.

“Programmes that provide psychological care for people affected by terror attacks are shown to be highly effective,” she said.

“They are also what survivors tell us that they need, but we must do a better job of letting survivors know about them.

“It is essential that we have dedicated national funding for a designated mental health service for people affected by major incidents.”

Professor Neil Greenberg, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, added that those who do not seek help is “extremely worrying” because the disorders can be life-threatening and there are a range of evidence-based interventions that can help people recover.

Claire Murdoch, national mental health director for NHS England, said: “This is another important reminder that the journey is far from over for many of those who continue to face difficulties as a results of those horrific attacks.

“World-class, specialist NHS mental health treatment and support is still available and, while the fantastic staff in those services have already helped more than 500 people, the doors are open for anyone else who thinks they have been affected, rather than suffering in silence.”

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