Disruption as Tower Bridge stuck open after ‘technical failure’

Bridge opened on Monday to allow wooden ship through, before its arms got stuck in raised position

A technical fault has left Tower Bridge stuck open, causing major rush-hour traffic problems in the capital with pedestrians and vehicles unable to cross.

The London landmark, one of several bridges over the River Thames that connects central and southern parts of the city, was scheduled to open this afternoon to allow a large wooden tall ship to pass through. But City of London police said the 127-year-old bridge had been closed to traffic and pedestrians after a technical failure" left it stuck in its raised position.