Westminster Bridge reopened to traffic at approximately 8:20 a.m. this morning, Monday, October 19, following a major emergency response operation that shut down the iconic thoroughfare for over 16 hours.
The disruption began at 3:41 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, when emergency services were called to the bridge following reports of concern for the welfare of a man. Upon arrival, officers cordoned off the area in both directions, and specialist negotiators were deployed to the scene to engage with the individual.
The incident prompted a significant mobilization of resources, with London Fire Brigade vehicles and multiple ambulances spotted blocking access to the bridge throughout the duration of the standoff. A police river boat was also stationed in the water below as a precaution. The heavy police presence and subsequent closures caused significant gridlock in central London, with traffic backing up between Victoria Embankment and Lambeth Palace Road. Victoria Embankment was also closed southbound towards Parliament Square, further compounding travel delays for commuters.
The standoff concluded at approximately 7:40 a.m. this morning when the man, who is in his 30s, entered the water. He was promptly rescued by the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit and subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the timeline of events and the successful conclusion of the operation. “Emergency services and specialist resources, including negotiators, attended and the bridge was closed in both directions to support efforts at the scene,” the spokesperson said. “The man, in his 30s, went into the water around 07:40hrs on Monday, 19 October and was rescued by the Marine Policing Unit. He was then arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. The man has been taken to hospital as a precaution. There was no wider risk to the public.”
Following the resolution of the incident and the clearing of emergency vehicles, the bridge was reopened to the public at 8:20 a.m.
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