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Five have been injured after a police boat carrying armed officers struck Westminster Bridge earlier today, the Metropolitan Police have said.

The PA Media agency reports that a boat from the Met's Marine Policing Unit crashed into the central London bridge at around 3.40pm today (July 24). A number of officers entered the water but were recovered and are being treated by paramedics.

A large number of police officers, fire crews and ambulances are on the scene, with the bridge taped off from public use.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the Met Police said: "We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. We await an update on the extent of their injuries.

"At this stage, we don’t believe any members of the public were involved or injured. The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly reviewed, but at this stage our priority is the wellbeing of the officers involved."

A mother and son, Cecilia Lusevic, 56, and Mateo Bilis-Lusevic, 12, who witnessed the incident told the Press Association they heard a loud bang when the police boat crashed. The 12-year-old said: "Two boats were riding extremely fast through the water.

"Suddenly, I heard a boom. I was looking towards the boat, and I heard a boom. Then three people went flying into the water, and one of the people was really hurt."

He added that police officers were in the water for an estimated 10 minutes and in that time someone threw a life ring in for one of them.

A Port of London Authority spokesperson said: "We are aware of an incident involving a police vessel at Westminster Bridge.

"We are supporting the response and providing assistance where needed, working closely with the Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard and partner agencies to manage the situation."