Tower Bridge closed: Police urge public to 'avoid the area' after person climbs landmark bridge

• Tower Bridge is currently closed after reports of a person climbing the railings.
• Boats and traffic have been brought to a standstill, and there is congestion in central London.
• Met Police and London Fire Brigade are on the scene. They have urged the public to ‘avoid the area’.

There is further chaos in central London this afternoon, after a ‘hooded person’ was spotted climbing the railings of Tower Bridge.

The Grade I listed bridge is shut down, and emergency services including police and fire have scrambled to the scene.

GB News reports that traffic and boats have been brought to a standstill. The incident has sparked congestion to Limehouse, back along the Highway and Aldgate.

City of London Police have urged the public to ‘avoid the area’ in a post on X.

A spokesperson said: “Tower Bridge is closed to traffic and pedestrians due to a person who has scaled the railings. Please avoid the area where possible.”

A hooded person was spotted climbing the landmark bridge and sitting on the suspension railings. Several images showing a person in a grey hoodie have been posted to social media.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, "Firefighters are responding alongside the Metropolitan Police Service to reports of a person on Tower Bridge.

"The Brigade was first called about the incident at 10.40, and firefighters from Lambeth River, Whitechapel, Edmonton and Soho fire stations are at the scene."