Intruder arrested in Downing Street

A man was arrested after apparently intruding into the secure area of Downing Street late last night, police said today.

The man was spotted at the back of the Prime Minister's residence by officers at 10.36pm, challenged and then arrested.

He is now in custody and is being questioned at a central London police station.

The intruder scaled the fence at the rear of Downing Street, in Horseguards Parade, and entered the outer secure area.

He was then challenged by a police officer and there was a brief struggle, before he was arrested.

The man was held on suspicion of affray and assaulting a police officer.

He was found in possession of a knife.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are satisfied that at no time was the Prime Minister at risk."

Westminster Police are investigating the incident.