Chaos erupted in Westminster this afternoon as a topless man went on a wild sprint through one of London's busiest districts, dodging traffic and bewildered pedestrians.
Eyewitnesses described the surreal scene as the unidentified man, wearing only shorts, weaved between vehicles near Parliament Square just after midday. Metropolitan Police officers swiftly intervened, apprehending the streaker before he could cause further disruption.
Midday Mayhem in Political Heartland
The bizarre incident occurred mere yards from iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Tourists and civil servants alike stopped in their tracks as the athletic intruder dashed across junctions, narrowly avoiding collisions with buses and taxis.
"He was running like someone was chasing him, but there was nobody behind him," reported one stunned office worker. "Just this half-naked bloke weaving through lunchtime traffic like it was some sort of obstacle course."
Police Response and Aftermath
Authorities confirmed they detained the man under Section 5 of the Public Order Act after the five-minute spectacle. A police spokesperson stated: "We responded to reports of a disturbance involving a partially clothed male in the SW1 area. The individual was safely detained and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries."
The incident caused temporary traffic delays in the government district, with several buses forced to brake suddenly as the unpredictable runner changed direction. No injuries were reported, though multiple witnesses captured the strange event on their phones.
This marks the second unusual public disturbance near Parliament this month, following a previous incident involving a protestor scaling a government building. Local business owners have expressed frustration at the recurring disruptions in the high-security area.
