Five police officers have been injured and several had to be recovered from the River Thames after their boat hit Westminster Bridge, the Metropolitan Police said.
At around 3.40pm on Friday, a boat from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit struck the bridge in central London.
A number of officers entered the water but were recovered and have been seen being treated by paramedics on a rigid black inflatable boat moored to the side of the river.
Officer placed a cordon at either end of Westminster Bridge, which crosses the Thames next to the Houses of Parliament.
A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances were called to the scene – with traffic across the bridge at 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.”
Police officers cleared members of the public from the bridge. Buses and coaches travelling on it were forced to reverse and find another route.
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 were closed shut, Transport for London has confirmed.
An Uber Boat service, operated by Thames Clippers, has been cancelled and others delayed as a result.
The RB1 3.26pm Battersea Power Station to Barking Riverside service was cancelled, the company said.
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