Westminster Bridge is closed in both directions for hours as police respond to welfare concerns for a man

Dozens of emergency vehicles – police, ambulance and fire – were visible at the scene, with a cordon thrown across the road. Traffic was diverted via Victoria Embankment, and the Met advised drivers and pedestrians to steer clear of the area if they could.

The London Ambulance Service confirmed its teams were deployed to the bridge.

A southbound closure towards Parliament Square compounded gridlock across central London.

Samaritans can be reached free, day or night, on 116 123.