In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of a previous incident, Buckingham Palace found itself at the center of attention once again as a car collided with its gates in the early hours of Saturday, 09 March.
The incident, occurring at approximately 2:33 am, led to the swift arrest of a man on suspicion of criminal damage.
According to eyewitnesses, the scene unfolded with a sense of urgency as armed officers surrounded the vehicle, shouting commands at the driver who was promptly apprehended. "Keep your hands on your head," echoed through the night as authorities swiftly took control of the situation.
Royal expert Cameron Walker shed light on the incident, revealing that the gates, damaged in the collision, were hastily repaired following the crash. However, details surrounding the motive behind the collision remain murky, with police yet to disclose whether it was accidental or intentional.
The Metropolitan Police released a statement confirming the arrest, stating that the driver was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal damage. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the collision.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police assured the public that the matter is not being treated as terror-related, seeking to allay fears amidst heightened security concerns. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
This incident bears a striking resemblance to a similar occurrence in January 2023 when a car crashed into the palace railings, igniting fears and drawing attention to security measures surrounding the iconic royal residence.