Car Crashes into Downing Street Gates: Man Arrested on Suspicion of Criminal Damage and Dangerous Driving

A car has collided with the front gates of Downing Street sparking a major security incident. Armed officers arrested a man on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving following the incident on Thursday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said. The incident is not believed to be related to terrorism.

Circumstances of the Incident Unfold

BBC television footage showed the vehicle approaching the gate at a low speed. The car, a silver hatchback Kia, was filmed heading towards the gates, hesitating, and then ploughing into the gate but still at a low speed. The car came from a car park opposite Downing Street, witnesses said.

Arrest and Police Response

After the car crashed into the gates, armed officers arrested the man in the car who was suspected of criminal damage and dangerous driving. Police have stated that they are still trying to establish the circumstances of the incident and that currently, they do not believe that it is related to terrorism.

Limited Information Released

The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office declined to comment on the incident. A section of Whitehall was cordoned off by police and a police van with blue lights flashing was on the scene with armed police patrolling the area. Onlookers are seen filming the dramatic scene. 

Witness Reports

Witness Simon Parry, 44, said: “I heard a bang and looked up and saw loads of police with taser guns shouting at the man. A lot of police vehicles came very quickly and were quick to evacuate the area.” Similarly, Krish Kandiah, an eyewitness who was delivering a petition at Downing Street when a car crashed into the gates, said: “Immediately we saw police scramble and armed officers responded swiftly. They shouted at the man to get out. He was wrestled out of the car and put down on the ground and handcuffed.”

Security Checks Implemented

Protests are regularly held at the gates and security is very tight. The gates are protected by armed officers, and the high-security area is covered by an array of CCTV cameras. Gates were put up at the entrance to Downing Street in 1989 as a result of IRA bomb attacks in London.

Local Westminster Police Investigate the Incident

Westminster police are currently investigating the incident and not counter-terror officers. The police have urged the public to come forward with any further information that they may have.

Key Politicians Pass Through Downing Street

Mr Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt were both in Downing Street at the time of the car crashing into the gates. Chancellor Hunt subsequently left the area, while Mr Sunak had been planning to leave No. 10 Downing Street at the time of the incident.

Cars Leave Downing Street

Shortly after the incident, a video posted online showed a convoy of cars leaving the back of Number 10.

Reopening of the Area

A section of Whitehall was cordoned off during the incident but was later reopened at around 5.45pm. The incident occurred as many civil servants were leaving their offices for the day in the area. 

Focus on Lowering Immigration Numbers

In other news, it has been reported that net migration for 2022 was 606,000. This number is less than forecasted, but still 118,000 higher than in 2021. The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that immigration numbers are ‘too high’ but maintained that the immigration system is not ‘out of control.’

Summary

The recent incident at Downing Street Gates has caused widespread concern and confusion regarding the nature and circumstances of the event. While investigations and police enquiries are still ongoing, the incident has brought into focus the stringent security measures in place at Downing Street, particularly following the IRA bomb attacks in London in 1989. 

FAQs

1. Is the incident at Downing Street Gates considered a terrorist attack?

No, the police do not believe that the incident is related to terrorism. 

2. Who was responsible for the incident at Downing Street Gates?

Currently, the perpetrator of the incident has not yet been identified. 

3. What is the reaction of the Prime Minister to the incident?

The Prime Minister declined to comment on the incident. 

4. Has anyone been injured during the incident?

No, there were no reports of any injuries during the incident. 

5. Are investigations into the incident still ongoing?

Yes, Westminster police are currently investigating the incident.