Westminster Bridge shut for hours as huge emergency response descends on London

Westminster Bridge has been shut for hours as emergency services respond to an ongoing incident in central London. Police were called to the landmark at 3.41pm on Sunday following concerns for the welfare of a man, with the bridge subsequently closed in both directions. The emergency response has continued into the evening, with police and other emergency crews remaining at the scene several hours after the initial call. A number of nearby roads have also been affected by closures, causing disruption around the heart of the capital. Westminster Bridge Road, Bridge Street and Victoria Embankment were among roads reported to have been affected, while Horse Guards Avenue was also closed earlier in the evening.

Traffic was slowed around the surrounding road network and bus services were diverted as a result of the incident.

Pictures from the scene showed numerous emergency vehicles in the vicinity of the bridge.

London Ambulance Service teams were also dispatched to the incident.

Earlier this evening, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 15:41hrs on Sunday, 18 October following concerns for the welfare of a man on Westminster Bridge.

“Emergency services remain at the scene and Westminster Bridge, along with a number of surrounding roads, has been closed while officers respond to the incident.

“Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area where possible.”

The bridge remains closed in both directions late on Sunday evening, with diversions continuing around the area.

Live traffic information shows delays on roads approaching the closure, with congestion around Parliament Square and tailbacks reported on Westminster Bridge Road and Lambeth Palace Road.

No further details about the circumstances of the incident or the man’s condition have been released.