The US embassy in London is in a state of ‘lockdown’ as police officers probe a ‘suspect package’.
Witnesses said roads around the embassy were closed to traffic and armed police officers and the fire service are 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.’
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.’
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.