Five officers injured after police boat crashes on the Thames

Five police officers were injured after a Metropolitan Police boat crashed on the River Thames near Westminster Bridge.

Emergency services responded after the marine policing vessel struck the bridge during what witnesses described as a high-speed pursuit. Several officers entered the water following the impact, and the television images prompted concern from people nearby.

The injured officers were taken for medical assessment. Early reports did not describe their conditions as life-threatening, although police said further checks were required. The river was temporarily restricted while emergency crews worked at the scene and examined the damaged vessel.

The Metropolitan Police has begun an investigation into the circumstances of the collision. That process will consider the boat’s speed, the events immediately before the impact and whether operating procedures were followed.

London’s marine unit patrols a busy stretch of river used by commuter boats, tourist vessels and freight. The incident is likely to bring renewed attention to safety during emergency responses on crowded urban waterways.

Original reporting: The Independent ↗