In a dramatic incident on the River Thames, five police officers were seriously hurt when their vessel collided with Westminster Bridge in central London this morning, sparking an urgent response from emergency services. The officers, who were operating under the Metropolitan Police's Marine Support Unit, sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, but they have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The Metropolitan Police have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision, which occurred around [time] today. The inquiry will examine all aspects of the incident, including the condition of the vessel, the river's current state, and witness accounts. Details surrounding the cause of the crash remain unclear at this stage.
Westminster Bridge, a key transport hub in London, was initially closed to pedestrian traffic as emergency services rushed to the scene, but has since reopened. The nearby road network was not significantly disrupted, though localised river traffic was affected by the incident. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service provided immediate medical attention at the scene before transporting the officers to hospital.
The Metropolitan Police's Marine Support Unit regularly patrols the River Thames to ensure security and respond to emergencies. The unit works closely with other emergency services to maintain safety on London's waterways, where incidents are relatively rare.
As the investigation into this incident continues, further updates will be provided once more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on supporting the injured officers and understanding the circumstances surrounding the collision.