Five police officers sustained injuries when their Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit vessel collided with Westminster Bridge in central London on Friday afternoon, an incident that also resulted in several officers entering the River Thames. The collision occurred at approximately 3:40 pm on Friday, July 24.
Westminster Bridge Boat Incident
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a boat belonging to their Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge. Following the impact, a number of officers were submerged in the water, although all were subsequently recovered. Paramedics were observed providing treatment to the officers aboard a black rigid inflatable boat moored alongside the river.
Emergency Response and Disruption
A significant police presence, alongside fire crews and ambulances, was observed at the scene. Officers established a cordon, preventing access to both ends of Westminster Bridge, which spans the River Thames adjacent to the Houses of Parliament. Traffic across the bridge came to a complete standstill as a consequence of the incident.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated that at around 3:45 pm, the police vessel encountered Westminster Bridge. While a number of officers entered the water, they were safely recovered. Additional emergency personnel, including the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade, responded to the scene. Five officers are understood to have been injured and are receiving medical attention, with further updates on the extent of their injuries awaited.
Investigation and Public Safety
At this initial stage, authorities do not believe any members of the public were involved or sustained injuries. The circumstances surrounding the collision are subject to a thorough review, with the immediate priority being the well-being of the officers involved. Members of the public were cleared from the bridge, and buses and coaches travelling across it were rerouted.
The Port of London Authority has acknowledged the incident involving a police vessel at Westminster Bridge and is providing assistance, cooperating with the Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard, and other partner agencies. A police helicopter and an air ambulance were visible in the vicinity. Transport for London confirmed that entrances three and four to Westminster Underground station were temporarily shut. Additionally, an Uber Boat service operated by Thames Clippers reported cancellations and delays to other services as a direct result of the Westminster Bridge boat incident.
