Man arrested after car collides with gates of Downing Street, where U.K. Prime Minister lives

A car collided on May 25 with the gates of Downing Street in central London, where the British Prime Minister’s home and offices are located, setting off a rapid security response in one of London’s most-fortified sites.

A car collided on May 25 with the gates of Downing Street in central London, where the British Prime Minister's home and offices are located, setting off a rapid security response in one of London's most-fortified sites.

The Metropolitan Police Force said a man was arrested on May 25 afternoon at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving. There were no reports of injuries.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in his office at the time.

Video footage posted on social media showed a white car heading straight for the gates at low speed across Whitehall, the main thoroughfare in London's government district.

Footage shot soon after showed a car with its trunk open up against the tall metal gates, as police officers inspected the vehicle.

It was not immediately clear whether the crash was deliberate. Police said they were working to establish the circumstances.

“I heard a bang and looked up and saw loads of police with taser guns shouting at the man," said witness Simon Parry, 44. "A lot of police vehicles came very quickly and were very quick to evacuate the area.”