A woman who secretly remained in the Houses of Parliament overnight after concealing herself in a toilet has been arrested on trespassing charges. The incident occurred on Saturday when the woman, believed to be in her fifties, joined a visitor tour of the Westminster complex. She reportedly hid in a lavatory marked as under maintenance, according to the Daily Mail.
She was detained in the early hours of Sunday morning after being discovered during a walk around the estate. Parliamentary authorities have initiated an investigation into whether night security guards were negligent, as reported by the Mail. It is claimed that Perimeter Officers, who typically patrol the exterior, found her in Westminster Hall, where tours usually begin and end. No staff members are currently facing disciplinary action over the incident.
A Parliament spokesperson stated: ‘A member of the public was arrested for trespassing on the Parliamentary Estate on Sunday 7 June. The incident is now being dealt with by the Metropolitan Police. The safety and security of all those who work and visit in Parliament is our top priority. Whilst we cannot comment on our security processes or measures, a review is under way following the incident.’
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson added: ‘In the early hours of Sunday, 7 June, a woman in her 50s was arrested on suspicion of trespassing – breaching a section of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 – after remaining in the Palace of Westminster for several hours following the conclusion of an organised tour. She was released on bail pending further inquiries.’ Police have indicated that they do not believe the incident involved malicious intent.
