Armed police arrest man 'carrying knives' outside Parliament

A man has been arrested after reports he was carrying multiple knives outside of Parliament.

Armed police officers swooped on the 34-year-old just after 2pm on Tuesday.

He was handcuffed by the entrance to the House of Commons and then led away in front of tourists and workers.

The man appeared to be wearing homemade armour and combat trousers.

The man was wearing a red hooded top and what appeared to be homemade armour (ES)
The man was wearing a red hooded top and what appeared to be homemade armour (ES)

A Union Jack flag and green backpack was discarded on the pavement as he was arrested.

A Met Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 2.01pm on Tuesday, November 12 to reports of a man in possession of knives outside Parliament.

“Officers attended and a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

“He will be taken to a police station.

“No injuries have been reported.”

A UK Parliament spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident outside Carriage Gates.

“Parliamentary Security and the Metropolitan Police are managing the situation.”