A Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit boat carrying authorised firearms officers has crashed near Westminster Bridge, striking one of the bridge’s piers before coming to rest at Westminster Pier, where emergency crews are treating casualties.
A police boat carrying armed officers has crashed on the River Thames near Westminster Bridge, with casualties being treated at the scene. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the vessel involved was a Marine Policing Unit boat carrying authorised firearms officers. Emergency services rushed to the incident in central London, with responders from the RNLI seen treating casualties aboard a boat moored at Westminster Pier. Authorities have not reported any members of the public being injured, with those receiving treatment understood to have been on board the police vessel.
What happened
According to witnesses, the boat struck one of the bridge’s piers before coming to a stop alongside Westminster Pier. The exact cause of the collision is not yet clear, and the circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation.
Emergency response
A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances attended the scene, with traffic across Westminster Bridge brought to a standstill as a result. A police helicopter and an air ambulance were also seen circling overhead. HM Coastguard coordinated the emergency response alongside the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, the RNLI and the Port of London Authority.
The River Thames was temporarily restricted to river traffic in the immediate area while emergency crews carried out rescue and recovery operations. Transport for London confirmed that entrances three and four to Westminster Underground station had been closed as a result of the incident.
Port of London Authority statement
A Port of London Authority spokesperson confirmed the force’s involvement in supporting the emergency response, saying: “We are aware of an incident involving a police vessel at Westminster Bridge. We are supporting the response by providing river traffic management assistance where needed and are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard and partner agencies to manage the situation.”
This is a developing story and further details are expected as the investigation continues.
