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A black cab has smashed into pedestrians after mounting a pavement in Covent Garden.

A Met Police spokesman said the incident is believed to be a car crash and not terror related but four people were injured.

London Ambulance took three of the injured to hospital, one man who had suffered a serious leg injury and two others who had minor injuries.

Shoppers and tourists watched on in horror as the taxi mounted the pavement and ploughed into pedestrians.

Terrified visitors to one of London's busiest districts fled the scene in panic at just after 5pm.

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

A large number police vehicles rushed to the scene and the taxi driver was detained by officers.

Market stall holders at Covent Garden say the taxi hit a phone box, there was a "big bang" and people ran away.

The London Transport Authority has also added that the incident is a "serious collision".

(Image: @Jack_Slater/Twitter) (Image: @edhoppitt/Twitter) (Image: @Jack_Slater)

A Met Office statement said: "Police are on the scene in Covent Garden following a collision with pedestrians. Not thought to be terror related."

People fled Covent Garden following the crash, which happened close to Jubilee Market, in panic after they heard "a huge noise".

Met Police asked people to leave the scene of the accident following the crash.

(Image: edhoppitt/Twitter)

Police helicopters were scrambled.

The Strand was closed in both directions with traffic now backing up to Charing Cross station but has now been re-opened.

Eyewitnesses reacted with shock to the crash.

Rob Madden said: "Never seen so many police cars and helicopters in my life in London."

Alexx Pan added: "Our police really are incredible. Officers on the scene within five minutes."

(Image: tfl/Twitter) (Image: @jmckinven/Twitter)

Christy Gilbert said: "The police response was absolutely incredible today at Covent Garden."

People were seen running down the Strand following the incident.

Jay Gilbert told the Metro that his daughter, Christie, witnessed the incident.

He claimed the taxi mounted the pavement, ploughed into pedestrians and that bodies were seen lying across the floor.

Another witness praised the police and emergency services for their quick response.

Luke Blackheath said: "Safely on the train home. Covent Garden actually very calm. Police in full control and everyone cooperating without a moan."

Kimberley added: "Bravo to the Met Police for arriving within minutes at Covent Garden."

There is still a heavy police presence at the scene as the area is still cordoned off by police.