STREETS around the US Capitol have been shut down after a vehicle was driven onto the sidewalk.

Authorities surrounded a car after it drove off the road on Constitution Avenue in the heart of Washington DC.

Capitol Police said the vehicle was seen driving “erratically” onto the sidewalk, sparking a major shutdown of the surrounding streets.

The incident happened just before 10 am ET.

Cops have urged the public to stay away from the Capitol while they investigate the vehicle involved.

Footage from the scene shows a large police presence around the car and a figure being led away.

The driver is now in custody.

“Before 10 am, our officers spotted a car that had been driving along the sidewalk, near Peace Circle, and into the grassy area near Third Street, NW, & Constitution Avenue,” Capitol Police said in a statement.

“Officers took the man into custody. Please continue to avoid the area while we investigate the car.”

It comes in the wake of heightened security in DC following the horror terror attack in New Orleans early Wednesday morning.

At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured after a pickup truck was rammed deliberately into crowds of New Year’s Eve revelers in the city’s bustling French Quarter.

Security was already being beefed up in the nation’s capital as it prepares for the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of President Donald Trump.