Man who handcuffed himself to Buckingham Palace gates sustains 'self-inflicted' injuries

The man, who is wearing a white T-shirt and a baseball cap, was videoed talking to officers with pieces of paper blowing in the wind by his feet.

Confused bystanders were told by police officers to "cross the road".

Paramedics from London Ambulance arrived at the scene to assist officers from Scotland Yard.

Footage from outside the 320-year-old royal residence has suggested the incident took place at around 5.30pm.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a man approaches the gates of Buckingham Palace and handcuffed himself to them at around 5.23pm.

Scotland Yard said: "Officers in the area immediately approached the man, believed aged in his 30s, who began threatening to harm himself."

The force added: "Police are trying to speak to the man and bring the situation to a swift conclusion to ensure his safety and welfare."

In a subsequent statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the man sustained self-inflicted injuries.

The update, which was released at around 9.45pm, revealed: "Cordons remain in place and situation still ongoing. Officers are still speaking to the man, who has sustained a number of self-inflicted slash injuries.

"Police are working to bring the situation to a safe end as quickly as possible."

One woman, who posted video of the moment online, said: "Unfolding drama at Buckingham Palace where a man has handcuffed himself to the entry gates.. police on hand."

She later added that police were clearing the area around the gate and asking people to move to the other side of the road.