A car crash outside the Houses of Parliament which left two people in hospital on Tuesday morning is being treated as a terror attack, say investigators.
A man in his late-20s has been arrested on suspicion of terror offences after two people, said to be cyclists, were injured when a car crashed into security barriers in Westminster at about 7.40am.
The area is in lockdown after armed police swarmed the scene, with counter-terrorism officers leading the investigation.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was travelling westbound when it moved into eastbound traffic.
There has been an incident in Westminster – stay safe London. @BBCBreaking @SkyUK pic.twitter.com/UG16XvJJD1
— Ewelina U. Ochab (@EwelinaUO) August 14, 2018
Images posted to social media showed a suspect surrounded by officers being led away from the vehicle in handcuffs.
Streets around Parliament Square, Millbank and Victoria Tower Gardens have been cordoned off.
The Metropolitan Police said counter-terrorism officers are now leading the investigation.
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.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 14, 2018
The force said: “At 7.37am today, Tuesday, August 14, a car was in collision with barriers outside the Houses of Parliament.
“The male driver of the car was arrested by officers at the scene.
“A number of pedestrians have been injured. We await an update on their condition, however officers do not believe that anyone is in a life-threatening condition.
“Officers remain at the scene and cordons are in place to assist the investigation. Westminster Tube station is closed.
“While we are keeping an open mind, the Met’s Counter-Terrorism Command is leading the investigation into the Westminster incident. Inquiries continue.”
Two people were taken to hospital by paramedics, however their injuries are not believed to be serious.
While we are keeping an open mind, the Met's Counter-Terrorism Command is leading the investigation into the #Westminster incident.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 14, 2018
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
Westminster currently in lockdown. Avoid Parliament square if possible pic.twitter.com/AwiMQoAEJL
— Alex Lewis (@alewis2106) August 14, 2018
Scotland Yard said: “At 7.37am 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.”
Absolutely astounded at superb response by police #Westminster within 2 minutes of impact they had everything under control. pic.twitter.com/RoGUAiH2Wf
— Sophie Hacker (@sophiehackerart) August 14, 2018
The Houses of Parliament are surrounded with security barriers of steel and concrete.
The measures were extended in the wake of the Westminster Bridge attack in March 2017 when Khalid Masood ploughed a car into crowds on Westminster Bridge, killing four people.
Masood abandoned his car then stabbed and killed unarmed Pc Keith Palmer before he was shot by armed police in a courtyard outside Parliament.
More than 10 police vehicles and at least three ambulances remain outside Parliament.
Firearms officers and at least two police dogs are stationed inside Parliament Square.
Officers have cordoned the whole square off and are asking the public and press to move away from the scene.
Eyewitness Ewalina Ochab told the Press Association: “I think it looked intentional – the car drove at speed and towards the barriers.”
She said: “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.”
“The person driving did not go out” of the vehicle, she said.
The vehicle did not appear to have a front registration plate when it crashed, she added.
Members of the public and press have been moved back further from the area as police put up a “Terrorism Act cordon”, according to an officer at the scene.
The cordon has been extended past the Cenotaph on Whitehall – a five-minute walk from the scene at Old Palace Yard.
Westminster station has been closed for both entry and exit due to the security alert, Transport for London said.
