Westminster Bridge Shut After Police Mental Health Incident Halts Morning Rush Hour
Westminster Bridge was clamped shut in both directions this morning following a police operation linked to a mental health concern. The closure sparked chaos, bringing rush hour traffic in central London to a grinding halt.
Bridge Sealed Off At Dawn
Shortly after 6am, police cordoned off the iconic bridge connecting Victoria Embankment to Lambeth Palace Road. Two ambulances were spotted parked on the bridge as officers worked the scene. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the issue was “mental-health related” and reassured the public that no injuries were reported.
Commuters Face Major Delays
At least a dozen bus routes usually crossing Westminster Bridge were swiftly diverted, causing widespread disruption. Traffic monitoring showed the bridge was closed for over three hours, piling pressure on nearby routes and creating snarls across Westminster and the South Bank.
Official Statement
“Police were called to Westminster Bridge early this morning to a concern for welfare. Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service. The bridge was temporarily closed while the incident was dealt with. No injuries have been reported.”
Transport chiefs urged commuters to use Waterloo and Lambeth bridges as alternative routes during the closure.
London Ambulance Service declined to comment further. The bridge has now reopened, easing the morning gridlock.
