Five officers have been injured after a police boat struck Westminster Bridge in central London on Friday afternoon.
The Metropolitan police said the incident occurred at about 3.40pm and involved a boat from the marine policing unit.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “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.”
Responders from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution could be seen treating casualties on a boat moored at Westminster pier. A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances were at the scene, along with a police helicopter and air ambulance circling above.
Traffic across the bridge was brought to a standstill, with a cordon in place at either end.
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.
Mateo Bilis-Lusevic 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.
In a post on X, the London fire brigade said: “We’re responding to an incident on the #RiverThames near Westminster Bridge alongside partner agencies. The brigade’s fire boat and three fire rescue units with water rescue capabilities have been mobilised to the scene. We were called at 15.58 and remain on scene.
“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.”
Transport for London said exits one and two at Westminster tube station were closed. Thames Clippers, which operates Uber Boat, said “some services” may be subject to disruption due to the incident. It said Westminster pier was closed until further notice.
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