Man 'carrying knives' arrested in Whitehall on terrorism charges

A man has been arrested following a suspected terror incident close to Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament.

Armed police swooped on the man, said to be in his twenties, following a stop-and-search operation in Whitehall.

Photos posted on social media show officers holding him on the ground while forensic officers examine two large knives on the pavement.

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Police said the man was arrested at approximately 2.22pm by armed officers from the Met's specialist firearms command.

A spokesperson said: "The man, aged in his late twenties, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

"Knives have been recovered from him. He is being detained under the Terrorism Act and is in custody in a south London police station.

Police said there was "no immediate known threat" and it is understood no one was injured during the incident.

Sky News reported that the man had been carrying a bag full of knives.

Political correspondent Lewis Goodall said: "A witness said at one point he was taken to the ground - he was wearing a black tracksuit. Police surrounded him.

"There are various police officers here, both armed guards and forensic officers who are examining the scene. Earlier, we could see a bag clearly with a selection of knives which are being examined."

The incident took place just yards from the scene of last month's terror attack in which five people were killed, including PC Keith Palmer.