Armed police arrested a man outside the Houses of Parliament after reports of a man carrying a knife.

Following the incident on Tuesday afternoon, police cars were seen parked outside the Carriage Gates, one of the most important entrances to the Palace of Westminster.

A man wearing a red hoodie was seen being handcuffed and surrounded by police.

The area was cordoned off and the entrance was closed during the incident.

The Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 2.01pm on Tuesday, November 12, to reports of a man carrying a knife outside Parliament, SW1.

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

“He will be taken to the police station. No injuries were reported.”

A UK Parliament spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident outside Carriage Gates. Parliamentary Security and the Metropolitan Police are present and managing the situation.

“Please contact the Metropolitan Police for further information.”

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