The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that a “loud explosion” heard at the American embassy was caused by specialist personnel detonating a “suspicious package” outside the premises.
A suspicious package was reportedly discovered at the US Embassy in Nine Elms, London, on Friday morning. Roads around the site, including Nine Elms Lane and Ponton Road, were closed and the embassy confirmed that “local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside.”
Police later said a “loud explosion” heard in the area was an “officer-controlled explosion.” They said: “The investigation is still ongoing and a cordon will remain in place for the time being.”
of daily telegraph state A sweep of the area was carried out by police sniffer dogs to ensure that no other objects were planted near the embassy.
Police have not said whether the “package” found is an indication of terrorism, protests or simply unidentified debris.
The incident comes at a time of increased risk for European embassies amid rising tensions over several conflicts and political issues. The severity of the threat varies widely. The U.S. embassy in London was also vandalized this month by far-left activists protesting the U.S. democratically electing a new president, and the embassy in Kiev was closed this week amid fears of air raids.
