Five police officers injured after boat crashes into Westminster Bridge

The Metropolitan Police said five officers were injured after their boat crashed into Westminster Bridge and several others had to be rescued from the River Thames.

RNLI response teams were observed treating injured people on a boat at Westminster Pier. A large number of police, firefighters and ambulances are dispatched to the region, causing traffic on the bridge to come to a halt.

A spokesman for the Met said: “At around 3.45pm on Friday 24 July a boat belonging to the Met’s Marine Police Unit crashed into Westminster Bridge.

“A few police officers went into the water but were rescued.

“Additional officers responded as well as the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.

“We know that five police officers have been injured and are receiving treatment. We are awaiting an update on the condition of the injured.

“At this stage we do not believe any members of the public were involved or injured.

“The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly investigated, but at this stage our priority is the welfare of the officers involved.”

A Port of London Authority spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident involving a police cruiser on Westminster Bridge.

“We are supporting the response and providing assistance where it is needed, working closely with the Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard and partner organizations to manage the situation.”

A police helicopter and an air ambulance circled overhead.

Transport for London has confirmed that the third and fourth entrances to Westminster Underground station have been closed.

This is breaking news, more to come…

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