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Police carry out ‘controlled explosion’ outside US embassy in London Police carry out controlled explosion outside US embassy in London
(about 3 hours later)
Action follows reports of suspicious package outside embassy in Nine Elms Initial indications are that suspicious package in Nine Elms was a hoax device, say officers
A “controlled explosion” has been carried out by Metropolitan police officers outside the US embassy in Nine Elms, London. It followed reports of a suspicious package outside the embassy. Police officers have carried out a controlled explosion outside the US embassy in Nine Elms, London after reports of a suspicious package.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US embassy in Nine Elms. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan 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.”
“Cordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.” The force later added: “We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.”
They later added: “We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.” The US embassy wrote on X: “Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the US 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.”
It is understood inquiries are continuing and cordons will remain in place for the time being. At this early stage, it is not thought nor has anything been found suggesting terrorism. The Met later said: “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.”
The US embassy wrote on X: “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.”