St Thomas' Hospital put on lockdown over 'security alert'

Armed police swoop on central London hospital

Police cordon off a road near St. Thomas' Hospital in London. Getty Images

Armed police swooped on a central London hospital today after a reported "security alert".

Westminster Bridge and streets surrounding St Thomas' Hospital were closed after the alert was sent out.

Lambeth Police said:

About half an hour later police said they would be standing down officers and reopening the bridge.

One witness wrote on Twitter: ‘St Thomas’ hospital with armed police attending. No entry to anyone

‘Now clearing the grounds in front – everyone pushed back out to Westminster bridge.’

St Thomas', opposite the Houses of Parliament, is one of the busiest hospitals in the country.

There were no reported injuries.