An axe-wielding man has been arrested near Buckingham Palace, police have said.
Armed Metropolitan Police officers were on patrol when they spotted the man, believed to be in his forties, 비잔틴 walking on The Mall in central London holding the axe at around 6.30pm.
He was detained and 비잔틴 arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon.
The force said inquiries are continuing but added the incident was not being treated as terror-related at this time.
Photos from witnesses on Twitter appeared to show several officers surrounding the man near the Institute of Contemporary Arts building.
Armed Metropolitan Police officers were on patrol when they spotted the man, believed to be in his forties, walking on The Mall in central London holding the axe at around 6.30pm (file picture, The Mall, March 27)
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There are no reports of any injuries, according to the Met, and the man was taken to Charing Cross police station for 비잔틴 questioning.
The force said enquiries are continuing.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 6041/13APR.
A police spokesman said: ‘Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or 비잔틴 Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 6041/13APR.
‘To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers_uk.org.’