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

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 side of the river.

The force does not believe any members of the public were involved or injured.

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.

The cause of the incident has not been confirmed by police but is under review.

A spokesman for the Met said: “At around 3.45pm on Friday July 24 a boat from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge.

“Additional officers responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.

“We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. We await an update on the extent of their injuries."

They added: “At this stage, we don’t believe any members of the public were involved or injured.

“The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly reviewed, but at this stage our priority is the wellbeing of the officers involved.”

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."

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.