London: Man drives car into gates of Downing Street
A man drove his car through the fence blocking the entrance to Downing Street, the London home and office of the British Prime Minister.
Both “criminal damage” and “dangerous driving” have been filed against the individual.
The vehicle apparently smashed into the Downing Street fence at around 16:20 local time, according to a statement released by the London Metropolitan Police.
🚨 | BREAKING: Footage of the car ramming into the Downing Street gates… albeit very slowly pic.twitter.com/ljKQnqG6iP
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) May 25, 2023
BBC footage shows the white SUV crossing the street slowly in the direction of Downing Street, and then slowing even further as it approaches the gate.
The suspect, a middle-aged Caucasian male wearing a colored t-shirt, was pictured on television being handcuffed and led by police officials. The trunk was reportedly searched by authorities, as reported by EFE.
There were dozens of curious bystanders gathered behind the police cordon that had been built up around Downing Street, but the situation seemed to be under control.
There were a lot of people there when it happened, notably government workers who had just finished their shifts.
Armed police keep the public out of the restricted area around the Downing Street gate and conduct airport-style security checks on authorized visitors.