Five Metropolitan police officers were injured after a police boat struck Westminster Bridge on Friday afternoon, prompting a major multi‑agency rescue on the River Thames and significant disruption in the heart of the capital.
Rapid response as officers enter the river
The Metropolitan Police said the incident took place at about 3.40pm and involved a vessel from the force’s marine policing unit. A number of officers went into the water and were subsequently recovered by colleagues and other emergency crews. The force said additional officers responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.
“We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. We await an update on the extent of their injuries,” the Metropolitan Police said.
At this stage the Met added it did not believe any members of the public were involved or hurt. Officers said the circumstances surrounding the collision would be thoroughly reviewed, and that the wellbeing of those injured remained the immediate priority.
Scenes at Westminster: helicopters, RNLI and cordons
Photographs and footage from the area showed a cluster of emergency vehicles on the riverbank, with a fire boat and rescue units deployed. A police helicopter and an air ambulance were overhead, while teams from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) were seen assisting casualties on a vessel moored at Westminster Pier.
Traffic across Westminster Bridge was brought to a standstill and cordons were established at both ends. Visitors on a nearby tour boat, two of whom were named in reporting as Cecilia Lusevic, 56, and her son Mateo Bilis‑Lusevic, 12, said they heard a loud bang as the incident unfolded.
“Two boats were riding extremely fast through the water. Suddenly, I heard a boom… then three people went flying into the water, and one of the people was really hurt,” Mateo told the Press Association.
What is known so far
- Time: Around 3.40pm on Friday.
- Location: Westminster Bridge, central London, River Thames.
- Casualties: Five Metropolitan police officers injured and receiving treatment.
- Responders: Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, RNLI; police helicopter and air ambulance in attendance.
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident | Police marine unit boat collided with Westminster Bridge, officers entered water |
| Response | Recovery of officers, on‑scene treatment by RNLI and ambulance crews, fire rescue units deployed |
| Impact | Bridge traffic halted; cordons and emergency operation in place |
Public safety and next steps
The Met said it would carry out a thorough review of the circumstances. River incidents involving emergency vessels are relatively rare but raise immediate questions about operational safety, vessel speed and coordination between craft on a busy stretch of the Thames.
For those travelling in the area, authorities advised avoiding Westminster Bridge while emergency operations continued and to follow directions from officers on the ground. Commuters and tourists should expect continued disruption to traffic and river services while agencies work to secure the scene.
The London Fire Brigade posted that it was responding to an incident on the River Thames near Westminster Bridge “alongside partner agencies”, and confirmed the mobilisation of its fire boat and several water rescue units.
Witness accounts underline suddenness of crash
Eyewitness descriptions from visitors on a tour boat highlight how quickly the situation developed. One child witness estimated officers remained in the water for about ten minutes before being recovered; during that time bystanders and rescuers threw a life ring to one of the casualties.
Local residents and businesses around the river reported an increased emergency presence into the evening as officers and partner agencies worked to conclude the response and investigate the cause of the collision. The Met has not yet provided details on the condition of the injured officers or whether any internal or third‑party probes will follow.
Further updates are expected from the Metropolitan Police and the London emergency services as inquiries progress.
