Man arrested after car crashes into Downing Street gates

After a car slammed into the gates of Downing Street, armed police officers poured upon Whitehall.

The Met reported that a man was detained on suspicion of causing criminal damage and reckless driving, although the event is not being considered to be related to terrorism.

One witness reported seeing police holding a man “face to the floor” and detaining him while brandishing Tasers.

The incident didn’t result in any injuries. Rishi Sunak was in Downing Street at the time, according to No. 10.

Following the incident at 16:20 BST, a portion of Whitehall, the main road that passes through the center of various government offices, was evacuated.

The automobile is still there, but the road has since been reopened to traffic. Police tape is still in place at the scene.

Police were spotted checking the car and taking out a cell phone from an evidence bag. At the location, sniffer dogs were also seen.

Witness 44-year-old Simon Parry reported hearing a “bang” and seeing officers brandishing Tasers at a man.

“A lot of police vehicles came very quickly and were very quick to evacuate the area,” he told PA news agency.

Mr. Parry stated of the atmosphere on Whitehall following the incident:  “We saw people that were in a panic running away and we saw people who were excited.”

Another witness, 32-year-old Matthew Torbitt, claimed that after hearing a loud blast and seeing the area shut down by police, he was stopped on Whitehall.

The 2009 silver Kia, which was registered in London, can be seen slowing down as it approaches Downing Street’s main entrance in surveillance footage of the incident.

It was captured on camera by a BBC camera as it was driving straight towards the main gates, crossing two lanes from the northbound side of Whitehall, and moving toward Downing Street.

Although armed and unarmed police officers are stationed at the street’s entrance 24 hours a day, Whitehall is the only route that leads there.

At the time of the collision, the prime minister and chancellor were in Downing Street. Since then, Mr. Sunak has left for a planned visit.