A man has been arrested after a car crashed into the front gates of Downing Street, where British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office and residence is based, London police say.
BBC television footage showed the vehicle crossing the road towards Downing Street and approaching the gate at a low speed. The main gate appeared to be undamaged.
A witness who did not provide their name said the driver was a white man estimated to be in his 50s.
“At around 16.20 (pm local time) a car collided with the gates of Downing Street on Whitehall. Armed officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving,” police said in a statement. “There are no reports of any injuries.”
Police say inquiries are ongoing.
A Reuters witness said there was a small vehicle outside the gate, with its doors and trunk open.
Sunak’s office declined to comment.
Police put in place a small cordon blocking traffic along Whitehall, a main road running past Downing Street where several government departments are based.
Less than an hour later, police were examining the car as workers milled around a short distance away.
The current terrorism threat level in Britain is “substantial”, meaning an attack is considered likely.