Man 'carrying knives' arrested in Whitehall on terrorism charges
Suspect in his twenties allegedly in possession of bag full of knives outside Houses of Parliament
A man has been arrested following a suspected terror incident close to Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament.
Armed police swooped on the man, said to be in his twenties, following a stop-and-search operation in Whitehall.
Photos posted on social media show officers holding him on the ground while forensic officers examine two large knives on the pavement.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Police said the man was arrested at approximately 2.22pm by armed officers from the Met's specialist firearms command.
A spokesperson said: "The man, aged in his late twenties, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
"Knives have been recovered from him. He is being detained under the Terrorism Act and is in custody in a south London police station.
Police said there was "no immediate known threat" and it is understood no one was injured during the incident.
Sky News reported that the man had been carrying a bag full of knives.
Political correspondent Lewis Goodall said: "A witness said at one point he was taken to the ground - he was wearing a black tracksuit. Police surrounded him.
"There are various police officers here, both armed guards and forensic officers who are examining the scene. Earlier, we could see a bag clearly with a selection of knives which are being examined."
The incident took place just yards from the scene of last month's terror attack in which five people were killed, including PC Keith Palmer.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The World War Two experiments that made D-Day possible
Under The Radar Scientists performed gruelling tests on themselves paving the way for the iconic invasion
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Is the Supreme Court about to criminalize homelessness?
Talking Points The court will decide if bans on outdoor camping are 'cruel and unusual'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Fall into the groove at these delightful record stores
The Week Recommends Each one strikes its own chord
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'So much for the triumph over inflation'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Iran vows revenge after Israel's consulate strike
Speed Read An Israeli strike demolished a consulate in Syria, escalating tensions
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Marwan Barghouti: the Palestinian hostage 'seen as Nelson Mandela'
Why Everyone's Talking About Hamas demands release of popular Fatah leader touted as next Palestinian president
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published