Five officers have been injured after a police boat struck Westminster Bridge on the River Thames in central London, the Met Police said.
At around 3.40pm on Friday afternoon, a boat from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit collided with Westminster Bridge.
A number of officers entered the water but were later recovered and were seen being treated by paramedics on a rigid black inflatable boat moored alongside the river.
Officers have cordoned off a section of the bridge overlooking the Houses of Parliament.
A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances are at the scene, with traffic across the bridge brought to a standstill.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “At around 3.45pm on Friday July 24 a boat from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge.
“A number of officers entered the water but were recovered.
“Additional officers responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.
“We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. We await an update on the extent of their injuries.
“At this stage, we don’t believe any members of the public were involved or injured.
“The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly reviewed, but at this stage our priority is the wellbeing of the officers involved.”
A Port of London Authority spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving a police vessel at Westminster Bridge.
“We are supporting the response and providing assistance where needed, working closely with the Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard and partner agencies to manage the situation.”
A police helicopter and an air ambulance were circling above.
Entrances three and four to Westminster Underground station have been shut, Transport for London has confirmed.
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