‘Security alert’ is stood down after armed police put St Thomas’s Hospital on lockdown and shut Westminster Bridge
- St Thomas’s Hospital in London was ‘locked down’ amid a ‘security alert’ today
- Police have since removed the cordon and confirmed the alert was a ‘false alarm’
- Witnesses claimed officers had blocked access to hospital as nearby roads shut
A ‘security alert’ at a London hospital has been stood down after armed police put the building on lockdown and shut Westminster Bridge.
Police rushed to St Thomas’ Hospital near Waterloo today and blocked the River Thames crossing in both directions due to a ‘security alert’.
It is not clear what caused the incident but witnesses have claimed ‘all staff, wards and departments’ inside St Thomas’s Hospital were ‘locked down’ at the site.
Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Palace Road were closed to traffic in both directions amid the incident, which took place near to the Palace of Westminster.
The alert was a false alarm, the Metropolitan Police has since confirmed.
A ‘security alert’ at a London hospital has been stood down after armed police put the building on lockdown and shut Westminster Bridge. Pictured: The scene
Police rushed to St Thomas’ Hospital near Waterloo today and blocked the River Thames crossing in both directions due to a ‘security alert’. Pictured: Armed police outside St Thomas’s
Witnesses claimed officers had blocked access to St Thomas’ Hospital as those inside the building were ‘locked down’.
NBC producer Joe Sheffer said: ‘Incident at St Thomas’ hospital appears to be in south wing according to staff inside hospital.’
He added: ‘Nobody seems clear what is going on.’
Another witness said: ‘Something happening at St Thomas’ Hospital. My partner who works in cardiac has been evacuated upstairs, anyone know what going on?
‘Nobody allowed in and out of the hospital.’
Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Palace Road were closed to traffic in both directions amid the incident, which took place near to the Palace of Westminster
‘Armed police’ rushed to St Thomas’ Hospital near Waterloo today and have blocked the River Thames crossing in both directions
Police did not confirm details of the incident when contacted by MailOnline but said there were no reports of injuries. Pictured: The police cordon
Witnesses described being ‘pushed back out’ to the bridge, which has also been closed to pedestrians
Others reported seeing ‘ten armed police’ officers rushing into the hospital.
‘My girlfriend just came out of an appointment there and said she saw 10 armed police rushing into it as she was leaving,’ one man said.
Police did not confirm details of the incident when contacted by MailOnline but said there were no reports of injuries.
Lambeth Police said: ‘Police are dealing with a security alert at St Thomas’ Hospital, SE1. We will provide further info when known.’
Officers later confirmed the security alert ‘is being stood down’ and the cordon is in the process of being removed.