Officers hurt as police boat hits Westminster Bridge
BBC News 2026-07-24 17:13:23
Context: In central London, a police boat operated by the Metropolitan Police's Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge at approximately 15:40 BST, injuring five officers on board. The incident occurred when the boat was carrying armed officers, and some of them were forced into the water before being recovered. Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and ambulances, quickly responded to the scene.
Key Facts
- The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that five officers were injured in the incident, with a spokesperson stating that they are receiving treatment and that their injuries are being assessed.
- The police boat involved in the incident was operated by the Marine Policing Unit and was carrying armed officers at the time of the crash.
- Witnesses reported seeing officers enter the water after the collision, with one witness, Mateo Bilis-Lusevic, describing how he saw three people go flying into the water and one of them appear to be seriously hurt.
- The London Fire Brigade responded to the incident with a fire boat and three fire rescue units with water rescue capabilities, and were called to the scene at 15:58 BST.
- A cordon was placed at either end of Westminster Bridge, with buses and coaches being forced to reverse and find an alternative route, and some entrances to Westminster Underground station were temporarily shut.