London/IBNS: A man was arrested by the police after he crashed his car into the gates of the UK Prime Minister's Downing Street office and residence in central London on Thursday, reports said.

"At around 16:20 (1520 GMT) a car collided with the gates of Downing Street on Whitehall. Armed officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving," police said in a statement as reported in the media.

No injuries were reported and police added that enquiries were ongoing.

Video footage from the incident showed a white car driving at low speed across Whitehall, where many government ministries are located.

The car then appeared to mount the pavement and came to a halt after hitting the large metal gates that guard the entrance to Downing Street.

Downing Street is a short walk from the Houses of Parliament, and the area has a high-security presence with barriers on pavements.