Man spotted carrying axe near Buckingham Palace arrested by armed officers

Armed Met officers arrested the man, believed to be in his 40s

The individual was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon (stock image) (PA)

Police have arrested a man after they spotted him carrying an axe near Buckingham Palace.

Armed Met officers were on patrol when they saw the man, believed to be in his 40s, walking on The Mall in central London at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.

The Mall is a central road which connects Buckingham Palace with Trafalgar Square. The individual was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon. 

He was taken to Charing Cross Police Station for questioning.

No injuries have been reported.

Photos circulating on social media appear to show a man arrested by a large group of officers near the Institute of Contemporary Arts building.

The force said enquiries are continuing.

Additional reporting by PA