Man arrested after automobile hits Downing Street gates

A person has been arrested after a automobile hit the primary gates of Downing Street.

The silver Kia crashed into the gates at round 4.20pm, the Metropolitan Police mentioned in an announcement.

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The car appeared to come back out of a parking lot subsequent to the Ministry of Defence constructing. It then crossed Whitehall, close to the Cenotaph, earlier than abruptly breaking after which driving ahead instantly into the gates of Downing Street.

Pedestrians have been informed to “move back” by police as the driving force was arrested on suspicion of felony harm and harmful driving.

Police mentioned there have been no accidents.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in Downing Street on the time the automobile crashed into the entrance gates, PA information company mentioned.

Mr Sunak, who had been attributable to depart No 10 anyway, departed after the crash.

Read extra:
Moment police arrest man after automobile crashed into Downing Street
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Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was additionally in Downing Street, Sky News understands.

Officers have been pictured looking the car’s boot and eradicating a big white sheet.

Large sections of Whitehall have been closed to the general public and automobiles following the incident, however is now absolutely open.

“At around 4.20pm a car collided with the gates of Downing Street on Whitehall,” Metropolitan Police mentioned in an announcement.

“Armed officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving.

“There are no reports of any injuries.”

The incident is being handled by native police in Westminster and counter terrorism police are usually not concerned, Sky News understands.

Eyewitness, Krish Kandiah, who was delivering a petition at Downing road when a automobile crashed into the gates informed Sky News that there was an “almighty smash at the front gate”.

“Immediately we saw police scramble and armed officers responded swiftly. They shouted at the man to get out. He was wrestled out of the car and put down on the ground and handcuffed,” he mentioned.

Another witness Simon Parry, 44, mentioned: “I heard a bang and looked up and saw loads of police with Tasers shouting at the man.

“Numerous police automobiles got here in a short time and have been very fast to evacuate the realm.”