Five officers injured after police boat crashes into Westminster Bridge in central London

Five officers have been injured after a police boat crashed into Westminster Bridge in central London.

The vessel carrying armed officers hit the structure at around 3.40pm on Friday, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The Met said a number of officers "entered the water, but were recovered", following the crash that involved a boat from its marine policing unit.

Paramedics were seen treating the injured on a rigid black inflatable boat moored to the side of the River Thames.

The Met said in a statement: "We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. We await an update on the extent of their injuries.

"At this stage, we don't believe any members of the public were involved or injured."

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

A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances were on the scene - with traffic across the bridge overlooking the Houses of Parliament at a standstill.

A police boat was later seen being towed by a larger boat from the fire service.

Cecilia Lusevic, 56, and her 12-year-old son Mateo Bilis-Lusevic said they heard a loud bang when the crash happened.

The visitors to the UK, from Chile, were on a Thames tour boat on the north side of the bridge. They were evacuated from their vessel shortly afterwards.

Mateo said: "Two boats were riding extremely fast through the water. Suddenly, I heard a boom. I was looking towards the boat, and I heard a boom.

"Then three people went flying into the water and one of the people was really hurt."

The officers were in the water for around 10 minutes and a life ring was thrown for one of them by someone, he said.

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Following the crash, crowds of onlookers watched the aftermath from the bridge before being moved from the area.

Surrounding roads and two entrances of nearby Westminster Underground station were also closed.

A Port of London Authority 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."

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