Five London police officers hurt after patrol boat hits Westminster Bridge

Five London police officers were injured Friday after a patrol boat on the River Thames struck Westminster Bridge and officers went into the water, the Metropolitan Police Service said.

The incident happened at about 3:40 pm local time, or 1440 GMT, at the bridge next to Britain's parliament building. The police force said it was waiting for an update on the officers' injuries.

The Met said a boat from its Marine Policing Unit struck the bridge and that a number of officers entered the water before being recovered.

Television footage showed Westminster Bridge, usually a busy crossing, cordoned off and cleared of people and vehicles, with emergency services vehicles nearby.

The Met said it did not believe any members of the public were involved or injured. The Marine Policing Unit is responsible for 47 miles, or 75 kilometres, of the River Thames.