
A taxi driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after four people were injured when a black cab mounted the pavement and slammed into pedestrians in a horror crash in London's West End.

The 51-year-old man was arrested after being stopped at the scene of the crash in Covent Garden just after 5pm this evening. He remains in custody.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that three people have been taken to hospital as a result of the crash, with one man in a serious condition. A fourth victim was treated at the scene.

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A black cab has ploughed into pedestrians after mounting the pavement in Covent Garden

Shocked witnesses look on at the damage caused by the cab, after it mounted the pavement

The cab came to a halt after seemingly smashing into a lamppost near the Jubilee Market Hall near Covent Garden

Armed police are currently on the scene in Covent Garden after reports that the vehicle smashed into people at shoppers watched on in horror

Police officers stand guard next to the cab after it smashed into a crowd of pedestrians during rush hour

The incident appears to have taken place just a few yards from the Jubilee Market Hall, with stalls pictured in the background of the photo

Police officers at the scene in central London this evening, after a taxi mounted the curb near one of London's most popular tourist hotspots

A shocking picture taken just after the collision showed the mangled cab after it came to a halt by crashing into a lamppost near building works.

The incident took place just a few yards from the Jubilee Market Hall, with stalls pictured in the background of photo.

The Transport for London authority closed several roads as a result of the 'serious collision.'

The Covent Garden area - full of shops, restaurants and a busy market - is one of London's most popular tourist spots.

Scotland Yard said the incident on Southampton Street, Covent Garden, is not thought to be terrorist related.

Shoppers and workers make their way home as armed police officers stand guard at the scene of the crash

Police race to the scene in central London after a cab mounted the curb and ploughed into pedestrians this afternoon

Witness, Daan Fuldner, tweeted: 'A f****** cab just crashed into the sidewalk at #CoventGarden and everyone ran away panicking.

'Area cleared by private security and Mets, at least 10 cops present within 2 mins. 'Lots of sirens, more police coming right now.

'Cops clearing more space, want to keep the area clear but seem very much on edge.

'More police, area around cab clear. Seems to be no danger but still lots of officers around and keep asking people to leave.'

Police cordon off Southampton Street just off Covent Garden, where the crash took place

A Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were called shortly after 17:00hrs on Wednesday, 1 November to reports of a black cab in collision with pedestrians on Southampton Street, WC2.

'Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene. Three people were taken to London hospitals.

'One man remains in a serious condition; his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A fourth pedestrian was treated at the scene.

'The 51-year-old driver of the taxi stopped at the scene. He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and taken to a central London police station where he remains in custody.

'Detectives from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have filmed it on their mobile phones.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit based at Merton on 020 8543 5157 or via @MetCC

Left, police tear through central London to reach the scene, and right officers stand alongside the taxi involved in the crash near the Jubilee Market Hall