Knife-wielding man arrested outside Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace (Photo Credit: AFP)


A knife-wielding man was arrested following a confrontation with police outside the Buckhingman Palace here. Scotland Yard said two male officers suffered minor injuries.

The incident occurred after the man, believed to be in his early 20s, stopped his car at traffic lights next to a police van outside the Mall roundabout near Spur Road – which runs along the corner of the Palace grounds — at about 8.35 p.m., on Friday night, reports the Guardian.

Officers inside the vehicle spotted a large knife displayed openly in the suspect’s car.

As the officers moved to detain and question the man, a struggle ensued and both officers sustained “minor injuries” to their arms, the Scotland Yard said.

The man, who was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assault on police, was taken to a London hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

Det Supt Guy Collings said the “quick and brave” actions of the officers meant the man was detained very quickly, and that no members of the public had any contact with him.

The man would be later taken to a police station for questioning, a police spokesman said.

He said it was too early to know whether the incident was terror-related, the Guardian reported.

The entrances at both Buckingham Gate and Wellington Arch has been closed until further notice.

The police confirmed that no members of the royal family were in Buckingham Palace at the time.