‘Hoax system’ sparked panic at US Embassy in London: Police compelled to hold out ‘managed explosion’ after suspicious package deal left exterior
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A ‘controlled explosion’ has been carried out by police outside the US embassy in London after a suspicious ‘hoax device’ sparked panic.
Witnesses said roads around the embassy were closed to traffic and armed police officers and the fire service were at the scene in Nine Elms.
A ‘loud bang’ was reported in the area shortly after a cordon was put into place.
The Met confirmed this was a ‘controlled explosion’ as part of their investigation.
A statement from the embassy, posted on X, read: ‘Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the U.S. Embassy in London.
‘Met Police are present and have closed Ponton Road out of an abundance of caution. We will provide further updates when available.’
The force said later: ‘Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down.’
Witnesses said roads around the embassy were closed to traffic and armed police officers and the fire service are at the scene
The roads around the embassy were closed off in what the embassy called ‘an abundance of caution’ as a controlled explosion was carried this morning
A cordon is in place around the embassy after officers were alerted to a ‘suspicious package’
A police cordon near the US Embassy in Nine Elms, London, where Metropolitan Police officers have carried out a ‘controlled explosion’ after reports of a suspicious package
Videos from inside the embassy showed dozens of people on the ground floor waiting for the incident to conclude
An American soldier is seen inside the US embassy as British police officers stood guard outside
Armed police vehicles, canine units and the fire service rushed to the scene on Friday morning
Videos on social media showed dozens of people stuck inside the building, sitting on floors or standing in corridors.
Local MP for Labour Marsha de Cordova said: ‘I am in touch with local police regarding this incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy this morning. I will update as I receive more information.’
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: ‘We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Nine Elms.
‘Cordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.
‘We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.
‘Enquiries are still ongoing and cordons will remain in place for the time being.’
The Met later added initial inquiries suggested that a ‘hoax device’ had been left at the embassy.
‘An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,’ a spokesperson said.
