US embassy in London reopens after suspicious 'hoax' item found

 British police said on Friday that a suspicious package left outside the US embassy in London, which was blown up in a controlled explosion, was a hoax device, according to its initial indications.

British police officers carried out a controlled explosion near the US embassy in London following the discovery of a suspect package, authorities said on Friday.

"We can confirm that the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers," London's Metropolitan Police said on X.

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.

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 22, 2024

"Enquiries are still ongoing and cordons will remain in place for the time being."

Earlier the US embassy had reported going into lockdown, due to a security threat, sources close to the matter told The Jerusalem Post.

The police force had said that they were investigating a suspect package and had put up cordons in the area south of the River Thames, adding that they were aware of speculation online regarding the incident.

The US embassy said on X that the police had closed a road near the building out of "an abundance of caution".

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.

— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) November 22, 2024