WASHINGTON: The US Secret Service on Friday reported a vehicle rammed into a security barrier near the White House, and the driver has been apprehended.

"An individual driving a passenger vehicle struck a security barrier near the White House at 17th & E," the Secret Service said in a statement.

"The vehicle did not breach the security barrier of the White House complex."

The White House was placed on lockdown and armed uniformed agents could be seen running to positions.

President Donald Trump was in the building at the time, having hosted Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"The female driver of the vehicle was immediately apprehended by Secret Service Uniformed Division Officers," the statement added.