'Knifeman', 34, is arrested outside Parliament

A 34-year-old man has been arrested following reports of someone carrying knives outside the Houses of Parliament.

Police cars and armed officers descended on the scene in front of Carriage Gates - one of the most prominent entrances to the Palace of Westminster - following reports of a man 'in possession of knives' on Tuesday afternoon. 

A man wearing a red hooded top could be seen handcuffed and surrounded by police, before being bundled into a police van. One person on the scene claimed he 'appeared to be wearing homemade armour'. 

The area was cordoned off during the incident and the entrance - which is often used by MPs - was closed. Police said there had not been any reported injuries. 

A Met spokesperson added the incident is 'not being treated as terror related'. 

A Met spokesman said: 'Police were called at 2.01pm to reports of a man in possession of knives outside Parliament.

'Officers attended and a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He will be taken to a police station.

'No injuries have been reported.' 

They added: 'At this early stage investigation it is not being treated as terror related.' 

A Parliament spokesperson said: 'We are aware of an incident outside Carriage Gates. Parliamentary security and the Metropolitan Police are present and managing the situation.'