Westminster Bridge closed as ‘hundreds’ of cops swarm scene & set up huge cordon – with four arrested
WESTMINSTER Bridge has been closed as “hundreds” of cops swarm the scene and set up a huge cordon – with four people having been arrested.
A man was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest, said the Met Police.
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, while one has been held on suspicion of affray.
Two of the suspects have also been taken to hospital, with minor facial injuries.
The incident was initially reported as a stabbing, but further enquiries by the police confirmed this was not the case – as the investigation continues.
It took place just metres from the Houses of Parliament – in front of horrified tourists.
Police, ambulance and air ambulance services all attended the scene on the major London bridge – which remains closed at this time.
In pictures from the scene, numerous officers can be seen gathered in the area, as emergency vehicles line the street.
A concerned Twitter user wrote: “Westminster Bridge closed in both directions.
“Hundreds of Police at the scene with the Bridge cordoned off. What’s going on?”
It is understood the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
The road remains closed as police investigate.
A spokesperson for the force said: “At 10:43hrs on Sunday, 24 November, police were called to reports of a fight on Westminster Bridge, SE1.
“Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, where they found a man in cardiac arrest.
“Initial reports suggested the man had been stabbed, but further enquiries have confirmed this is not the case. Investigations are ongoing to determine how he came to suffer a cardiac arrest.
“The man remains in hospital in a critical condition.
“Three people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and one person has been arrested on suspicion of affray. Two of those arrested have been taken to hospital with head injuries.
“Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident.
“Officers are also urging anyone with CCTV, mobile phone footage, or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to come forward.”
Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 2468/24NOV.
Or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.