In video broadcast by the BBC, a silver hatchback will be seen driving straight on the wrought-iron gates which forestall public entry to Downing Street, setting off a speedy safety response at one among London’s most-fortified websites.
Armed officers arrested a person on the scene round 4.20pm on Thursday (1.20am Friday AEST) “on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving”, Metropolitan Police mentioned in an announcement.
He has been taken into custody and inquiries are ongoing however there are not any fast experiences of any accidents.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in Downing Street on the time of the incident on Thursday, however has since left for a scheduled go to, the BBC reported.
Video footage posted on social media confirmed a automobile heading straight for the gates at low velocity throughout Whitehall, the primary thoroughfare in London’s authorities district.
Footage shot quickly after confirmed a automobile with its trunk open up in opposition to the tall metallic gates, as law enforcement officials inspected the car.
It was not instantly clear whether or not the crash was deliberate. Police mentioned they had been working to determine the circumstances.
“I heard a bang and looked up and saw loads of police with taser guns shouting at the man,” mentioned witness Simon Parry, 44.
“A lot of police vehicles came very quickly and were very quick to evacuate the area.”
The BBC confirmed a photograph of officers main away a person with handcuffed fingers behind his again.
UK’s Met Police had cordoned off Whitehall – the primary highway working previous Downing St and the place different politicians are based mostly – within the aftermath of the incident.
Although, they started to carry the limitations inside half an hour, permitting folks again into the realm, which usually teems with civil servants and vacationers eager to see the close by Houses of Parliament and different historic buildings.
Downing Street is a slim avenue with a row of Georgian homes that features the prime minister’s official residence at No. 10.
Public entry to the road is restricted and the gates are protected always by armed law enforcement officials.
The gates had been erected in 1989 in response to threats from Irish Republican Army militants.
In 1991 the IRA fired three mortars on the avenue, one among which exploded within the yard of No. 10 whereas Prime Minister John Major was main a Cabinet assembly inside. Three law enforcement officials and a civil servant suffered minor accidents.
Source: www.9news.com.au
