Shots fired in London after Ukrainian ambassador’s car ‘rammed’

Police arrest man in his 40s following incident outside embassy in Holland Park

The scene near the Ukrainian embassy in Holland Park, west London after police fired shots after the ambassador’s car was “deliberately rammed”. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
The scene near the Ukrainian embassy in Holland Park, west London after police fired shots after the ambassador’s car was “deliberately rammed”. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Police fired shots outside the Ukrainian embassy after the ambassador’s car was “deliberately rammed”.

The embassy, located in Holland Park in west London, said the official car of the ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, Natalia Galibarenko, was attacked on Saturday morning at around 10am.

No one was injured in the incident and one person was taken to a police station, the embassy said.

A statement from the embassy said: "Around 10am on Saturday April 13th, the official vehicle of the ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom was deliberately rammed as it sat parked in front of the embassy of Ukraine's building.

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“The police were called immediately, and the suspect’s vehicle was blocked up.

“Nevertheless, despite the police actions, the attacker hit the ambassador’s car again.

“In response, the police were forced to open fire on the perpetrator’s vehicle.

“The culprit was apprehended and taken to a police station. No one of the embassy staff were injured.

“The police are investigating the suspect’s identity and motive for the attack.”

Scotland Yard confirmed that shots were fired by firearms officers.

The force said that, on arrival at the scene, a vehicle was driven at police officers. Police firearms and Taser were discharged, the vehicle was stopped and a man, aged in his 40s, was arrested. The man, who was not injured, has been taken to a central London hospital as a precaution.

Chief Supt Andy Walker, from the Met's specialist firearms command, said: "As is standard procedure, an investigation is now ongoing into the discharge of a police firearm during this incident."

The incident is not being treated as terrorist-related.

A woman who works at a nearby shop said she heard shots fired twice.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said officers arrived “very quick”, adding: “I saw many police cars coming.” – PA