A police boat carrying armed officers has crashed into a bridge in central London, injuring five, the Metropolitan Police said.
At around 3.40pm on Friday afternoon, a boat from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge.
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.
Officers have taped off the bridge and cleared the public from it, forcing buses and coaches travelling that way to reverse and find another route.
A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances are on the scene – with traffic across the bridge overlooking the Houses of Parliament at a standstill.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “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 mother and son, Cecilia Lusevic, 56, and Mateo Bilis-Lusevic, 12, said they heard a loud bang when the police boat crashed.
The visitors to the UK, from Chile, were on a tour boat on the north side of Westminster Bridge and saw what happened, before being evacuated from their boat.
The 12-year-old told the Press Association: “Two boats were riding extremely fast through the water.
“Suddenly, I heard a boom. I was looking towards the boat, and I heard a boom.
“Then three people went flying into the water, and one of the people was really hurt.”
The police officers were in the water for an estimated 10 minutes, he said, and in that time someone threw a life ring in for one of them.
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.
Thames Clippers, which operates Uber Boat, has also said that “some services” may be subject to disruption due to the incident.
London Fire Brigade said its fire boat and three of its fire rescue units with water rescue capabilities were mobilised following the incident.