Westminster Bridge closed after incident - Police rushed to scene amid traffic chaos
WESTMINSTER Bridge was closed and emergency services rushed to the scene following an incident in London just hours after a motorcyclist was killed at Elephant and Castle.
GETTY
Witnesses said there was a large police presence on the bridge, which was the scene of a terror attack earlier this year.
Half the bridge had been closed off while Metropolitan Police attending the scene.
A police spokesman said officers were called at 6.45pm to reports of "someone threatening to jump".
Police remained at the scene around an hour later but at just before 8pm, the spokesman added that the "road closure is due to be lifted" as "the man just got into an ambulance".
Related articles
One Twitter user said: "Lots of police on Westminster Bridge and half the bridge closed, how worrying.
"Apparently there's been some sort of incident at Elephant & Castle, perhaps it's related."
Traffic was also backed up to Westminster Bridge tonight after a crash on the New Kent Road in south London.
A motorcyclist was killed and two injured after a van smashed into the bike - which was carrying a passenger - at the busy junction during rush hour.
Emergency services raced to the scene of the smash shortly before 4.30pm on Thursday.
@bartoncreeth/Twitter
@roundaboutnews/Twitter
Lots of police on Westminster Bridge and half the bridge closed, how worrying.
Paramedics battled to save the motorcyclist, a man believed to be in his 20s, but he died at the scene just after 5pm.
The pillion passenger is receiving treatment, police said, along with a pedestrian who suffered a leg injury and has been rushed to a south London hospital.
New Kent Road has been shut in both directions from Elephant and Castle, causing huge tailbacks for miles.
Transport for London reported delays on the buses of up to 90 minutes, with traffic jams tailing back to Westminster Bridge as police lift the road closure following this evening's incident.
Westminster terror attack: Service of Hope memorial in pictures
Wed, April 5, 2017The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have joined the families of Westminster terror attack victims at a special service today
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge lays a wreath accompanied by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry during the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey
On March 22, five people were killed and some 50 injured when terrorist Khalid Masood drove into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.
He was shot dead outside Parliament after attacking police with a knife, leaving hero cop PC Keith Palmer dead.
The 52-year-old mowed down people in a 4x4 on the pavements on Westminster Bridge, before crashing into the gates outside the Houses of Parliament.
He then ran into the Parliament compound, carrying two blades where he fatally stabbed the police officer - a 48-year-old husband and father.
Following the attack, Westminster was immediately put on lockdown with MPs told to remain in the main chamber or in their offices.
You can call Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123 (this number will not appear on your phone bill), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.
