Buckingham palace on lockdown as man attacks police with sword

Buckingham Palace is tonight on lockdown after police arrested a man who allegedly attacked two officers armed with a sword in front of frightened tourists.

Police stopped the man at 8.35pm and discovered he was carrying a knife and two officers suffered 'minor injuries' to their arms while detaining him.

He was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assault on police and officers remain outside the world famous building.

Shocked bystanders took to Twitter on Friday night after witnessing the incident.

Social media users suggested the alleged attacker was carrying a sword - while others said he was holding a machete.

Photographs posted online showed police cars outside the palace and armed officers later set up a cordon.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed no other people were caught up or injured during the incident.

A spokesman said: 'Officers are on scene at the Mall outside Buckingham Palace. A man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH and assault on police.

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is reproduced here with permission.