Police officers have evacuated a busy London street and arrested three men in an "ongoing incident" this afternoon.

Witnesses around Blackfriars Road and Westminster Bridge road - both of which have been shut - reported seeing "helicopters" overhead on social media, as pictures also emerged of fire engines in attendance.

A Metropolitan police spokesperson said the road was closed after a vehicle was stopped at the junction between the two roads.

"The occupants of the vehicle - three men - were arrested," the spokesperson told The Independent.

They added that local road closures would remain in place as enquires continued.

Officers were also pictured outside shops in the area, allegedly warning those inside to "stay away from the windows."