An intruder armed with a knife was arrested after scaling a wall and getting into a secure area of British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s official London residence, police said on Monday.
The man was apprehended after he scaled a fence from a road at the back of 10 Downing Street into what officials describe as the building’s outer secure area.
”As he got to the other side he was immediately challenged by an officer and arrested following a short struggle,” a London police spokesman said.
Although the man was found to be carrying a knife, police said they did not think the incident had any terrorism link. The man’s motive was not yet clear.
”We are satisfied that at no time the prime minister was at risk,” the spokesperson said.
The man was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault on a police officer and was taken to a central London police station for further questioning.
There was no comment from Blair’s office.
Number 10 Downing Street is traditionally the London home and office of the British prime minister, although Blair and his family live next door at number 11. — Reuters