Five London police officers were injured Friday after their boat patrolling the River Thames struck Westminster Bridge and they went into the water, the UK capital's Metropolitan Police Service said.

The force said it was awaiting an update on their injuries, following the incident at the crossing next to Britain's parliament building which happened around 3:40 pm (1440 GMT).

"A boat from the Met's Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge," the Met said in a statement.

"A number of officers entered the water, but were recovered," it added.

Footage broadcast on UK television news channels showed the usually busy bridge cordoned off and cleared of people and vehicles with emergency services vehicles parked nearby.

The Met said it did not believe any members of the public were "involved or injured".

The Marine Policing Unit is responsible for 47 miles (75 kilometres) of the River Thames.

© Agence France-Presse