COMMUTERS in the capital suffered travel chaos last night after Tower Bridge was stuck open during rush hour.

       Winding queues formed on either side of the River Thames while the 127-year-old landmark was blocked for hours.

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       London's Tower Bridge is stuck in the raised position (stock image) Credit: Reuters

       Traffic was diverted away from the area, and drivers, cyclists and pedestrians were urged to find alternative routes.

       The issue was blamed on a "technical failure".

       One Londoner held up on one side of the bridge tweeted: "'Sorry I’m going to be late, Tower Bridge is stuck up' is the most London text I have ever sent."

       Another said: "It's bl***y stuck again!"

       A spokesman for the City of London Police said: "Tower Bridge is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians due to technical failure.

       "Please avoid the areas. Updates to follow."

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       It comes after the bridge was closed for several hours in August after its arms, known as bascules, were wedged upright after allowing a ship to pass beneath it.

       And in 2020 the bridge failed to close after allowing a ship to pass along the River Thames

       More to follow...

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