Five Police Officers Injured as Police Boat Strikes Westminster Bridge

Five police officers were injured on Friday afternoon when a Metropolitan Police marine unit boat struck Westminster Bridge in central London. The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 pm local time. A police spokesperson confirmed that several officers entered the water but were rescued. Additional officers, along with the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade, responded to the scene. Five officers are receiving treatment for their injuries, and no members of the public are believed to have been involved or injured. The circumstances will be thoroughly reviewed, but the priority is the well-being of the officers. Responders from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution were seen treating casualties on a boat moored at Westminster Pier. A large number of police, fire crews, and ambulances were present, along with a police helicopter and air ambulance. Traffic across the bridge was halted, with cordons in place at both ends. Witnesses, including mother and son Cecilia Lusevic (56) and Mateo Bilis-Lusevic (12) from Chile, reported hearing a loud bang as the police boat crashed. They were on a tour boat on the north side of the bridge and saw three people thrown into the water. Mateo said the officers were in the water for about 10 minutes, and someone threw a life ring to one of them. The London Fire Brigade stated they were responding alongside partner agencies, including the Metropolitan Police and HM Coastguard. Transport for London closed exits 1 and 2 at Westminster tube station. Thames Clippers, operator of Uber Boat, warned of possible service disruptions, and Westminster Pier was closed until further notice.