Officers hurt as police boat hits Westminster Bridge

Watch: Police boat towed away after Westminster Bridge crash

Five Metropolitan Police officers have been injured after a police boat struck Westminster Bridge in central London.

The Met said the incident occurred at about 15:40 BST and involved a boat from the Marine Policing Unit which was carrying armed officers.

In a statement, it said "a number of officers entered the water, but were recovered" adding it was waiting for an "update on the extent of their injuries".

No members of the public are thought to have been involved or injured in the crash.

Five officers were injured when the police boat struck Westminster Bridge

Officers who had been recovered from the river were seen being treated by paramedics on a rigid black inflatable boat moored to the side of the river.

Members of the public have been cleared from the area and a large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances are at the scene.

A cordon has been placed either end of the bridge, which crosses the River Thames next to the Houses of Parliament, and buses and coaches travelling on it were forced to reverse and find another route.

The boat carrying armed police crashed into Westminster Bridge

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Met Police said: "We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment.

"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 London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson said: "We're responding to an incident on the River Thames near Westminster Brigade alongside partner agencies.

"The Brigade's fire boat and three fire rescue units with water rescue capabilities, have been mobilised to the scene. We were called at 15:58 and remain on scene."

A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances are at the scene

A Port of London Authority (PLA) spokesperson 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 seen circling above.

Some entrances to Westminster Underground station have been shut, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed.

A fire service boat was seen towing a black rigid police boat thought to have been involved in the accident down the River Thames away from Westminster Bridge.

A fir