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.
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. 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.”
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.”
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.”