Five Metropolitan Police officers were injured on Thursday when their Marine Policing Unit vessel struck an arch of Westminster Bridge in central London, sending several into the River Thames.
The incident unfolded at roughly 15:40 BST as the boat, carrying armed officers, lost control and hit a bridge arch, according to a witness. Officers who entered the water were recovered and treated at Westminster pier by RNLI responders. The London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, and Port of London Authority also responded, with a fire service boat towing the damaged police vessel away. No members of the public were injured.
Authorities cordoned off Westminster Bridge and halted traffic, closing multiple exits at Westminster tube station. Thames Clippers services were disrupted and Westminster pier was shut.