A Holyrood vote expected to back Nicola Sturgeon's calls for a second Scottish independence referendum has been put on hold following the terror attack in Westminster.
The Scottish Parliament suspended business in the wake of the incident at the Houses of Parliament, where an attacker stabbed a policeman before being shot by officers.
Read more: Eyewitness video shows five people 'mown down' by car on Westminster Bridge
MSPs had been due to vote on whether the Scottish Government should seek discussions with the Conservative administration at Westminster on the details of a section 30 order - the legal mechanism that would allow a second independence ballot to be held.
Photo credit: PA
But with business in Holyrood suspended, that will now take place later.
First Minister Ms Sturgeon tweeted: ''My thoughts are with everyone in and around Westminster caught up in this dreadful incident - and with the brave emergency services.''
Holyrood Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh took the decision to suspend business amid calls from some members for the debate to be stopped out of respect.
Read more: Michael Settle on the scenes at Westminster in the wake of the terror attack
Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser had earlier asked for a halt to the debate but was told by deputy presiding officer Linda Fabiani it would continue.
Mr Macintosh later told the chamber: ''Members will be aware, and members of the public too will probably be aware from social media and other news reports they are following on their phones, that there's been a serious incident at Westminster and Westminster itself has been locked down because of security concerns.
''I've certainly no wish to cause undue alarm here and security has been increased here, but I'm also aware and the business manager and I have discussed this, that the fact that our sister Parliament has had a serious incident is affecting this particular debate and is affecting the contribution of members and so it is for that reason we are deciding to suspend the sitting.
Photo credit: PA
"We will resume this debate and we will be able to do so in a full and frank manner, but I think to continue at the moment would not allow members to make their contributions in the manner they wish to."
The decision was welcomed by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who tweeted: "Very pleased that sense has won the day and Holyrood has been suspended until we have a better understanding of what is going on in WM."
Read more: SNP MP yards from the scene of Westminster terror attack warns security will need to tighten
Some MSPs had earlier walked out of the debate, with Conservative MSP Fin Carson tweeting: "I have left chamber. I can't understand how this debate can go on. At least a suspension would have shown some respect."
An email issued to MSPs, staff and Holyrood pass-holders from the Scottish Parliament chief executive's office said: "We are aware of a developing situation at Westminster this afternoon and are monitoring matters very closely.
"While there is no intelligence to suggest there is a specific threat to Scotland, Edinburgh or Holyrood, we have increased security with immediate effect at the Scottish Parliament as a precaution.
"In the meantime, we would ask all building users to be vigilant whilst going about business and also when leaving or coming to Parliament."
Mr Macintosh said discussions on the rescheduling of the suspended debate will take place on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, he said: "Members of all parties represented in this Parliament will want to join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy for all those affected by the tragic events at Westminster.
"As the true seriousness of the incident emerged, and as an expression of our support for our sister Parliament, parliamentary business at Holyrood was suspended this afternoon for the remainder of the day.
"No matter how significant our debate might be, to have continued further would not have been appropriate. It was increasingly apparent from the chair as reports emerged that the thoughts and concerns of members lay elsewhere.
"While there is no intelligence to suggest a specific threat to Scotland, Edinburgh or Holyrood, security at the Scottish Parliament has been heightened with immediate effect as a precautionary measure.
"Parliamentary business will proceed tomorrow and I will be convening a meeting of business managers first thing in the morning to consider the rescheduling of this afternoon's debate.
"I am grateful to all of our security staff and the Parliament's police unit for their assistance today."
Read more: Michael Settle on the scenes at Westminster in the wake of the terror attack
Ms Sturgeon said Scottish ministers have been liaising with Police Scotland and officials held a Scottish Government resilience (SGoRR) meeting with the force "to ensure that any potential implications for Scotland are considered". A further SGoRR meeting will take place later this evening.
The First Minister went on: "We have been in regular dialogue with the Parliament and I fully support the decision of the Presiding Officer to suspend proceedings this afternoon. It should be made clear, however, that this was not because of any specific threat to the Parliament or to Scotland
"We are liaising with our counterparts in the UK Government and the Scottish Government stands ready to support in any way we can."
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