Westminster Bridge has been shut and part of central London evacuated while 'armed police' respond to an incident at St Thomas' Hospital.

Lambeth Police have said they are dealing with a security alert at the hospital in SE1, and will provide further info when they have it.

Witnesses have reported seeing armed police near the expanding security cordon around the hospital

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.’

The hospital in central London, close to the Houses of Parliament, is one of the busiest in the country.

UPDATED:

Lambeth MPS have announced that the security alert is now being stood down.

In a statement, the police force said they had responded to reports of threats made by a man, who was later located inside the hospital without an arrest being made.

They said: "Police were called at 09:18hrs to St Thomas’ Hospital SE1 following a report of threats made by a male.

"No weapons were seen. Armed officers attended. Local road closures were put in place. The hospital was not evacuated.

"Officers subsequently located and spoke to a male inside the hospital. The incident was stood down at approximately 10:30hrs.

"There have been no arrests. This was not treated as a terrorism incident."