Five Metropolitan Police officers were injured Friday afternoon when a police boat from the Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge in central London. Emergency crews, including the London Fire Brigade, responded to the 15:40 BST incident, which resulted in some officers briefly entering the water before being recovered for medical treatment.
Incident at Westminster Bridge
The collision occurred at approximately 15:40 BST, drawing a significant emergency response to the heart of London. The vessel, identified by the Metropolitan Police as part of its Marine Policing Unit, struck the structure of Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the impact forced a number of personnel into the River Thames.
According to reports, the officers were quickly recovered from the water. Paramedics treated the injured crew members on a rigid black inflatable boat moored alongside the riverbank. Emergency teams, including fire rescue units with water rescue capabilities and the London Fire Brigade’s fire boat, were mobilized to the scene by 15:58 BST. Additional officers responded to the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade to assist in the recovery and response efforts.
Status of the Injured Officers
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that five officers sustained injuries during the crash and are currently receiving treatment. Authorities have prioritized the medical needs of those involved while the incident undergoes a formal review. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Met Police said: We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. We await an update on the extent of their injuries.
The spokesperson further emphasized the focus of the agency, noting: The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly reviewed, but at this stage our priority is the wellbeing of the officers involved.
Officials have stated that, at this stage, they do not believe any members of the public were involved in or harmed by the collision. At this stage, we don't believe any members of the public were involved or injured,
the police statement added.
Disruptions to Local Infrastructure
The emergency response caused immediate logistical disruptions in central London. A large number of police officers, fire crews, and ambulances arrived on the scene, with traffic across the bridge brought to a standstill. A cordon was placed at either end of the bridge, and buses and coaches traveling on the route were forced to reverse and find alternative paths.
Transport for London confirmed that entrances three and four to the Westminster Underground station were closed. The Port of London Authority also confirmed its involvement, with a spokesperson stating: “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.” The Port of London Authority clarified they are specifically providing river traffic management assistance.
Commuters and travelers were advised of potential delays throughout the area. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers noted that some of its services might be subject to disruption or delay as a result of the incident. Overhead, a police helicopter and an air ambulance were seen circling the site, signaling the scale of the emergency operation.
Ongoing Investigation
While the immediate safety of the officers remains the primary concern, the Metropolitan Police have committed to a thorough review of the incident. The circumstances leading to the vessel striking the bridge have not yet been released. Further information regarding the condition of the injured officers and the findings of the review is expected to follow as officials continue their work at the site.
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