Knife suspect Tasered near parliament Police probe terror motive

Counter-terror detectives have launched an investigation after a man was Tasered outside the Palace of Westminster when he allegedly reached for a knife.

Police have not declared it a terrorist incident but say they are “open-minded as to whether terrorism was a motive”.

The bearded suspect, in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife and was last night in custody at a central London police station. The incident unfolded yards from the scene of the Westminster terrorist attack in March and comes amid heightened security after the Manchester and London Bridge atrocities.

Scotland Yard said: “At this time it is too early to understand the motivation so we have not declared this a terrorist incident.

“However, given the location, the circumstances and recent tragic events, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) counter-terrorism command will be investigating this incident.”

At 11.10am yesterday, officers on routine duties became aware of a man acting suspiciously, the MPS said.

“The officers approached the man in order to speak with him,” the force added. “The man reached for a knife, and police discharged a Taser.”

Eyewitness Bradley Allen, 19, of east London, said he was walking past parliament when he saw a “dark male stood there, who looked quite angry with fists quite clenched”.

“He stared at me and my mate and we walked past him. Within seconds there was a shout and police ran out of the front gate shouting at him ‘Get on the floor, get on the ground’.

“Within seconds he was on the ground – I’m not sure whether he was Tasered – I’m not sure how he got down there, but in seconds it was over. Armed police everywhere, telling everyone to move back, and we all got pushed back.”

No one was injured in the incident.

SWOOP: Police detain the suspect near the site of March’s terror attack

The man is held with his arms against his back