Man arrested after climbing Palace of Westminster

Man arrested after climbing Palace of Westminster

A man was apprehended after climbing one of the towers at the Palace of Westminster in central London. Emergency services responded to the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, at 07:24 GMT on Saturday and spent several hours dealing with the situation. This incident resulted in the closure of Westminster Bridge, as well as one of the exits at Westminster Underground Station and Bridge Street. Additionally, tours of the Parliamentary Estate were canceled as a precautionary measure.

According to Westminster Police, the man was safely brought down in a cherry picker after midnight and subsequently taken into custody. They described the situation as prolonged due to the specific location of the individual and the paramount concern for the safety of officers, the man, and the public. Collaborating with other agencies such as the London Fire Brigade, specialized officers were deployed to swiftly resolve the incident while prioritizing the preservation of life.

During the operation, close communication was upheld with the Parliamentary Estate, and all roads were eventually reopened once the man was apprehended and deemed no longer a threat. Authorities expressed their gratitude for the cooperation of various agencies and the efficient coordination that allowed for the swift resolution of the incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and emergency services in ensuring public safety in high-profile locations such as the Palace of Westminster

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