MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

London Tower Bridge suffered “technical issues” and was unable to close

“The bridge experienced technical issues this afternoon and was locked in a raised position for a period of time,” Tower Bridge said on its Twitter feed.

London's iconic Tower Bridge suffered “technical issues” on Saturday when it was raised to let a ship through - and was unable to close. Traffic around the area became deadlocked after the bridge was closed to vehicles for several hours during the afternoon and evening.

“The bridge experienced technical issues this afternoon and was locked in a raised position for a period of time,” Tower Bridge said on its Twitter feed.

Built between 1886 and 1894, the bridge lifts around 800 times a year, and on Saturday was scheduled to be raised for the historic charter boat Sailing Barge Will.

Police announced its closure around 5pm. It reopened to pedestrians more than an hour later, but remained shut to vehicles for several hours.