A truck driver has been arrested after crashing into safety obstacles close to the White House.

A preliminary investigation revealed the motive force "may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square" in Washington DC, stated Anthony Guglielmia, a spokesperson for the US Secret Service.

There have been no accidents to any Secret Service or White House personnel, he added.

A video posted on social media confirmed a U-Haul truck slamming into the obstacles from a brief distance.

The one that posted the footage stated it was the second time the automobile had hit the obstacles.

Following the crash, a remote-controlled robotic opened the truck's rear doorways, which revealed a trolley however no different apparent gear.

Mr Guglielmia tweeted: "Charges will be filed by the United States Park Police with investigative support from the #SecretService."

The close by Hay Adams lodge was evacuated on the request of the Secret Service.