A major security alert has brought central London to a standstill after police sealed off Westminster Bridge. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the deployment of a bomb disposal unit following the discovery of a suspicious package on the morning of Thursday, 18 December 2025.
Police Response and Immediate Lockdown
Officers from the Met were called to the iconic bridge shortly after 9 AM. The area was immediately placed into lockdown as a precautionary measure. Police tape cordoned off the scene, restricting all pedestrian and vehicle access while specialist teams assessed the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported a significant police presence, with multiple vehicles and officers securing the perimeter. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad was swiftly dispatched to the location to examine the reported package.
Disruption in the Heart of the Capital
The closure of Westminster Bridge has caused substantial travel disruption across the city. The bridge is a critical Thames crossing, connecting the Westminster area on the north bank with Lambeth on the south. Bus routes have been diverted, and traffic congestion is building in surrounding streets as commuters seek alternative routes.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area entirely to allow emergency services to work unimpeded. The security alert is unfolding close to several key landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, though there is no suggestion at this stage that those sites are directly affected.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Reassurance
The Metropolitan Police have stated that their response is standard procedure for reports of this nature. A spokesperson emphasised that the actions are "precautionary" while the item is made safe and investigated.
"We are dealing with an incident on Westminster Bridge after a suspicious package was reported to us," the force said. "The bridge has been closed and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are in attendance. We ask the public to follow police directions and stay away from the area."
No further details about the nature of the package have been released. The incident remains live, and updates are expected as the bomb squad completes its work and the police investigation continues.
