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'Cabbie' dives off Tower Bridge in Olympic Lane protest | 'Cabbie' dives off Tower Bridge in Olympic Lane protest |
(40 minutes later) | |
A man has dived headfirst off Tower Bridge during a protest by London taxi drivers against their ban from using Olympics Games Lanes. | A man has dived headfirst off Tower Bridge during a protest by London taxi drivers against their ban from using Olympics Games Lanes. |
Last week taxi drivers brought Parliament Square to a halt, claiming they should be able to use the lanes as well as officials and athletes. | Last week taxi drivers brought Parliament Square to a halt, claiming they should be able to use the lanes as well as officials and athletes. |
They have now followed that up by driving slowly across Tower Bridge and tooting their horns. | They have now followed that up by driving slowly across Tower Bridge and tooting their horns. |
A man was arrested after jumping from the bridge into Thames. | |
He was then pulled from the river by police. A man had previously contacted media organisations warning he was going to attempt the stunt. | |
Police believe he was a cabbie. | |
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Around 4pm a man who was taking part in a planned demonstration jumped into the River Thames from Tower Bridge. | |
"Officers from the marine policing unit rescued the man. He has been arrested for a public order offence." | |
A photograph posted on Twitter appeared to show the man entering the water headfirst in a streamlined diving position. | A photograph posted on Twitter appeared to show the man entering the water headfirst in a streamlined diving position. |
One taxi driver then Tweeted: "Please do not leave your taxi unattended! We have reports that one taxi driver has done just that in spectacular fashion!" | One taxi driver then Tweeted: "Please do not leave your taxi unattended! We have reports that one taxi driver has done just that in spectacular fashion!" |
A BBC reporter said the man was almost hit by a tourist ferry in the water. | A BBC reporter said the man was almost hit by a tourist ferry in the water. |
Traffic was again brought to a standstill during the protest, and there was a noticeable police presence. | Traffic was again brought to a standstill during the protest, and there was a noticeable police presence. |
Cab drivers sounded their horns in unison to make their presence felt. | Cab drivers sounded their horns in unison to make their presence felt. |
About six police vans were at the scene. | About six police vans were at the scene. |
A BBC correspondent estimated that about 50 cabs took part. | A BBC correspondent estimated that about 50 cabs took part. |
The United Cabbies Group said on Twitter that it was happy with the turnout. | The United Cabbies Group said on Twitter that it was happy with the turnout. |