London, UK – In a shocking incident that unfolded on Thursday afternoon, a man was arrested after driving a car at the gates of Downing Street, the official residence of the UK Prime Minister. The Metropolitan Police reported that the suspect was apprehended on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving following the incident. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.
The dramatic scene was captured on video and broadcasted by the BBC. In the footage, a small silver car can be seen moving at a slow pace across Whitehall, the main thoroughfare adjacent to Downing Street. The vehicle was aimed directly at the wrought-iron gates that safeguard the heart of the UK government.
Although British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was present at Downing Street during the incident, he had since departed for a scheduled visit, according to the BBC. The Prime Minister’s safety was not compromised as a result of the attempted breach.
Authorities have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terror-related. The Westminster police, in a tweet, stated, “A small cordon remains in place outside Downing Street after a car collided with the gates earlier this afternoon. The incident is being dealt with by local officers in Westminster and isn’t currently being treated as terror-related.”
Downing Street has long been subjected to stringent security measures. Once open to the public, vehicular access to the street has been restricted since the 1970s. The existing security gates were installed in the 1980s, following a mortar attack by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1991.
Presently, only authorized visitors and parliamentary passholders are granted access to Downing Street. These individuals must pass through two checkpoints, including robust airline-style security procedures monitored by armed officers. It is important to note that the iconic black door of 10 Downing Street, which serves as the entrance to the Prime Minister’s official office, is situated further down the street from the security gates.
As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are working to determine the motives behind the driver’s actions. The safety and security of Downing Street and its residents remain a top priority, and measures will be reviewed to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
