Suspicious Package Detonated in ‘Controlled Explosion’ Outside U.S. Embassy in London, Say Police

A “suspect package” left outside the U.S. Embassy in London has been detonated in a “controlled explosion.” 

In a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, Nov. 22, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had exploded the suspicious package after placing the area in lockdown. 

“We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Nine Elms,” the statement read. “Cordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.”

Police said they would provide “a further update in due course,” before confirming in a follow-up post 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 second statement added. 

PEOPLE reached out to the Metropolitan Police who had no further comment.

The U.S. Embassy also 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. Please monitor @metpoliceuk for updates.”

A police officer at the scene told The Independent, “It’s really quite serious at the moment.”

Per the outlet, those inside the building were placed on lockdown for an hour and a half as police and firefighters dealt with the situation.

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According to U.K. newspaper The Guardian, there is currently no evidence to suggest the package is linked to terrorism.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Nine Elms, an area in southwest London in the borough of Wandsworth close to the River Thames.