Parliamentary authorities are investigating after a woman was arrested for trespassing after staying in the Palace of Westminster for several hours following a visitor tour.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers apprehended the woman, aged in her fifties, in the early hours of Sunday morning, long after her scheduled tour had concluded.
Reports suggest the suspected trespasser evaded detection by hiding in a toilet cubicle marked ‘under maintenance’ until visiting hours ended. She then reportedly walked around the Parliamentary Estate in the night before being stopped.
A security review will look at whether night duty guards, responsible for patrolling the building, may have been asleep during their shifts, according to the Daily Mail.
A Met spokesperson said: “In the early hours of Sunday, 7 June, a woman in her fifties was arrested on suspicion of trespassing – breaching a section of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 – after remaining in the Palace of Westminster for several hours following the conclusion of an organised tour.
“She was released on bail pending further inquiries.”
Inquiries are ongoing but it does not appear there was any malicious intent, it is understood. The security breach has prompted an internal investigation.
A parliamentary spokesman said: “A member of the public was arrested for trespassing on the Parliamentary Estate on Sunday 7 June.
“The incident is now being dealt with by the Metropolitan Police.
“The safety and security of all those who work and visit in Parliament is our top priority.
“Whilst we cannot comment on our security processes or measures, a review is underway following the incident.”
Authorities did not comment on the claim that security guards may have been sleeping, but they denied claims the woman reached the prime minister’s office in parliament.
