Westminster Bridge closed today due to police incident – what we know so far

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emails

Westminster Bridge is currently closed on after emergency services were called to the bridge in the early hours of the morning.

Pictures from the bridge during the morning rush hour have shown a police cordon in place with ambulances at the scene. The London Ambulance Services confirmed they had been called to reports of an incident on the bridge at 1:57am.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the incident is mental health-related, and that there have been no injuries.

According to AA, 12 bus routes have been placed on diversion due to the incident, but traffic is “coping well”. It said the bridge had been closed in both directions at the junction of Westminster Bridge Road due to an “emergency services incident”.

open image in gallery

The bridge is usually packed with commuters during rush hour (Getty/iStock)

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.57am today (18 August) to reports of an incident on Westminster Bridge, SW1.

“We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, incident response officers and paramedics from our hazardous area response team (HART).

“A small number of resources remain on standby and we are working with our emergency services partners.”

The AA said: “Bridge closed due to police incident on A302 Westminster Bridge both ways between A3211 Victoria Embankment and Lambeth Palace Road. Traffic is coping well. Detour in operation – for 12 bus routes.”

The closure was first reported at 4:07am.

People trying to get to work on Monday took to social media to report the disruption.

“Westminster Bridge being closed a real pain for this humble commuter,” one wrote, adding they had “attempted to walk” after their bus diverted but they had to cross Lambeth Bridge instead.

“Great start to the morning. Came out of Westminster tube to walk over the bridge to get to work,” another said.

“Bridge closed, taped off. One ambulance on the bridge. Police refused to let me x bridge inspite of showing my pass. Long detour over Lambeth. Not a happy bunny.”