Police boat carrying armed officers crashes on Thames as emergency services rush to scene

Police boat carrying armed officers crashes on Thames as emergency services rush to scene Officers have taped off a section of Westminster Bridge following an incident on the River Thames involving a police vessel Don't Miss Most Read Latest A police boat carrying armed officers has crashed near Westminster Bridge in central London, police have said. Five officers have been injured, according to the Metropolitan Police. Casualties could be seen being treated by paramedics on a rigid black inflatable boat moored to the riverbank. No members of the public were injured in the incident. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Officers have taped off a section of the bridge overlooking the Houses of Parliament. A large number of police officers, fire crews, and ambulances are on the scene, with RNLI responders treating casualties. Traffic across the bridge is at a standstill. A Met Police spokesman said: "At around 15:40hrs on Friday, July 24, a boat from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge while responding to a report of a person in the water near Battersea." A police boat carrying armed officers has crashed near Westminster Bridge |PA They added: "As a result of the collision, three officers were thrown from the boat into the water. They were recovered by those on nearby boats. "Additional officers responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade. "Five officers were injured and received treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital. One has since been discharged." Commander Nick John said: “Our thoughts are with all those involved, in particular our officers who were injured and those who responded in challenging circumstances." LATEST DEVELOPMENTS A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances are on the scene |PA The Commander added: “The four officers who remain in hospital have serious but non-life-threatening injuries. We will give them all every support as they recover. “I must also offer our thanks to those river users who came to the aid of the officers, as well as other police and emergency service colleagues who immediately made their way to the scene to assist. The quick-thinking and professionalism of all those involved undoubtedly prevented any further injuries.” A Port of London Authority spokesman 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." Entrances three and four to Westminster Underground station have been shut, Transport for London has confirmed |PA 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. Police boats patrol the River Thames 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are operated primarily by the Metropolitan Police Service's Marine Policing Unit (MPU), historically known as the Thames Division. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter