Westminster Bridge Crash: Police Boat Incident Injures Five Officers

Five Metropolitan Police officers were injured on 24 July 2026 when a Marine Policing Unit boat struck Westminster Bridge in central London. The Westminster Bridge incident, which occurred at approximately 15:40 BST, involved a vessel carrying armed officers. Emergency services, including fire crews and ambulances, responded to the scene, and a cordon was placed at both ends of the bridge, forcing buses and coaches to reverse and find alternative routes.

According to a statement from the Met Police, a number of officers entered the water but were recovered. The force confirmed that no members of the public were involved or injured. The Met Police spokesperson said: "We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. We await an update on the extent of their injuries. The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly reviewed, but at this stage our priority is the wellbeing of the officers involved."

The London Fire Brigade deployed its fire boat and three fire rescue units with water rescue capabilities. The brigade was called at 15:58 and remained on scene. The incident raises questions about river safety and emergency response protocols on the Thames, particularly given the high-profile location near the Houses of Parliament.

This event is not the first time Westminster Bridge has been the focus of emergency response scrutiny. The bridge, a major transport artery, saw a cordon that disrupted traffic, with buses forced to reverse. The incident also highlights the risks faced by London's emergency services during routine patrols. The Met Police's Marine Policing Unit regularly operates on the Thames, and this crash underscores the need for rigorous safety reviews.

The response from the London Fire Brigade, with its specialist water rescue units, demonstrates the multi-agency coordination required for such incidents. The brigade's statement noted that they were responding alongside partner agencies, reflecting the integrated emergency response framework in London. The Port of London Authority is also likely to be involved in the investigation, given the navigational implications.

While the cause of the crash has not been confirmed, the Met Police has committed to a thorough review. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of marine operations in a busy urban waterway. The Thames sees heavy traffic from tourist boats, cargo vessels, and police patrols, and collisions, though rare, can have serious consequences.

For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured officers. The Met Police has not provided further details on the nature of their injuries, but the force has emphasized that their wellbeing is the priority. The incident will likely prompt discussions on river safety protocols, including navigation aids, speed limits, and training for emergency responders on the Thames.