Armed officers have arrested a man in connection with preparing a terror attack just yards from Downing Street.

Police say the 27-year-old was carrying a rucksack containing several knives, which are being examined by forensic officers.

Image: A man is led away by police after the arrest in Whitehall

The suspect was known to police prior to his arrest, according to Sky sources.

Roads were locked down as officers carried out the arrest - pushing the man to the ground before holding him at the scene.

No one was injured in the incident, and Whitehall has since reopened northbound.


Image: The Prime Minister was not at Downing Street at the time of the incident

The Metropolitan Police said the man was stopped at 2.22pm on Thursday as part of an ongoing operation. He has been taken to a south London police station where he is being held under the Terrorism Act.

The arrest took place at the Parliament Street junction with Parliament Square, close to the scene of last month's terror attack which killed five people, including police officer Keith Palmer, on 22 March.

Image: A forensic investigator recovers a knife from the scene

Theresa May was not at Number 10 at the time of the incident.

Speaking from a General Election campaign event in Derbyshire, the Prime Minister said: "I'm aware that a man has been arrested in Whitehall today and that individual has been arrested on the basis of a terrorism charge.

"I think it shows that our police and intelligence and security services are on alert as they always are - looking to keep us safe and secure. I would say we owe a huge debt of gratitude to these people."

Forensics officers on scene of terror incident

London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "Thanks to all officers who dealt swiftly & professionally with the incident in Whitehall. The Met Commissioner has briefed me on the arrest."

A Met police statement said: "The man, aged in his late twenties, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. Knives have been recovered from him.

"Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command are continuing their investigation, and as a result of this arrest there is no immediate known threat."

Image: The moment the suspect was arrested

A builder working on the road nearby said: "I saw the police officers catch him. They caught him and got him on the ground."

Asked if the suspect was waving knives, acting aggressively or shouting, the witness said: "No."

Another witness said the suspect was "very calm" as he was arrested, and did not struggle as he was held on the ground.