A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after he rammed his vehicle into the empty car of Ukraine’s ambassador at least twice before being arrested in west London.
Scotland Yard, the territorial police force responsible for policing most of London, said a man in his 40s had been arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of police officers and criminal damage.
No one was hurt in the incident, which happened early on Saturday outside the embassy building in the affluent Holland Park area, and it was not being treated as terrorism, police said in a statement.
Police had opened fire on the vehicle after the driver “deliberately rammed” into the diplomat’s car and then drove at officers.
Armed officers were summoned to the scene at around 9.50am on Saturday, where they attempted to block the offending vehicle.
Witnesses have said at least 10 shots were fired and Scotland Yard confirmed firearms and a Taser were used. The man, who was not injured, was arrested and taken to a central London hospital as a precaution.
We appreciate the swift and professional @metpoliceuk response in the incident outside the Embassy earlier today@foreignoffice
— Ukraine's Emb. to UK (@UkrEmbLondon) April 13, 2019
"The police were called immediately, and the suspect's vehicle was blocked up," it added.
"Nevertheless, despite the police actions, the attacker hit the ambassador's car again. In response, the police were forced to open fire on the perpetrator's vehicle."
TV footage later showed a silver car slewed across the cordoned-off road with its driver's door open and window shattered.
Very concerned to hear of the incident near the Ukrainian Embassy this morning. I have just spoken to Ambassador Galibarenko @UkrEmbLondon and am glad to hear that no one was hurt. Thanks to the @metpoliceuk for such a swift response.
— Sir Alan Duncan (@SirAlanDuncan) April 13, 2019
"On arrival at the scene, a vehicle was driven at police officers," they added in a statement. "Police firearms and Taser were discharged, the vehicle was stopped and a man, aged in his forties, was arrested."
The man was taken to hospital as a precaution but was not injured, they added.
Police said a “standard procedure” investigation is now ongoing into the discharge of a police firearm during the incident.
