A few pedestrians have been injured after a car crashed into barriers outside London's Parliament building on Tuesday (August 14). The incident took place a little while after 7:30 am.
Reports have said that silver vehicle rammed into several people including a few cyclists. Westminster is in lockdown and armed policemen have been deployed in the area.
"At 0737hrs today, a car was in collision with barriers outside the Houses of Parliament. The male driver of the car was detained by officers at the scene. A number of pedestrians have been injured. Officers remain at the scene. We will issue further info when we have it" the Metropolitan Police tweeted.
The cops are currently investigating the incident and are also probing the terror angle.
"While we are keeping an open mind, the Met's Counter-Terrorism Command is leading the investigation into the #Westminster incident," the Metropolitan Police added.
Though the Scotland Yard has not confirmed that it was a terror attack, witnesses have said that the vehicle intentionally rammed into the pedestrians.
"I think it looked intentional – the car drove at speed and towards the barriers." Eyewitness Ewalina Ochab told the Press Association.
"'I was walking on the other side [of the road]. I heard some noise and someone screamed. I turned around and I saw a silver car driving very fast close to the railings, maybe even on the pavement," recounted the eye witness.
She also added that the car did not bear a front registration plate.
Meanwhile the Westminster tube station has been closed down.
At this stage, officers do not believe that anybody is in a life-threatening condition. Cordons are in place to assist the investigation. Westminster tube station is closed.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 14, 2018
The London Ambulance has said that its personnel rushed to the spot and are treating the injured.
Our statement in response to the incident in #Westminster. We have treated two people at the scene for injuries that are not believed to be serious and have taken them to hospital. pic.twitter.com/ySXAgmYqfF
— London Ambulance (@Ldn_Ambulance) August 14, 2018
Here are a few visuals from outside the London Parliament.
#Westminster #Whitehall #Parliament
— London 999 Feed (@999London) August 14, 2018
UPDATE: A male suspect has been dragged out of a silver car at gun point by armed Police. There are reports of several pedestrians who have been injured. Video @VinnyMcAv pic.twitter.com/aBGpIakWm5
#London #Westminster #Parliament
— London 999 Feed (@999London) August 14, 2018
UPDATE: Armed officers seen with guns drawn at the suspect vehicle. A black male has been detained. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack. pic.twitter.com/dqHSZ2F94P
#London #Westminster #Parliament
— London 999 Feed (@999London) August 14, 2018
London Ambulance Service says two people have been treated at the scene in Westminster for injuries that are not believed to be serious, they've been taken to hospital
Early Video of the scene public been told to stay away pic.twitter.com/LUWdS9we6H