London police have confirmed that they carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious package found outside the United States embassy, only to discover it was a “hoax device.”
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon near the high-security US embassy in Nine Elms, south of the River Thames. The Metropolitan Police responded swiftly, setting up cordons around the area to ensure the safety of the public and embassy staff.
“We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the police stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device.”
The US embassy, in a separate post, confirmed the discovery of the suspicious package. They reassured the public that local authorities were actively investigating the situation. The embassy also stated that a nearby road had been closed “out of an abundance of caution.”
Police Act Quickly to Secure the Area
As part of standard security protocol, the area around the embassy was quickly sealed off by the police. This swift action was in line with the heightened security measures frequently implemented around such sensitive sites. The incident caused a temporary disruption in the area, but no injuries were reported.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police explained that the controlled explosion was a precautionary measure designed to ensure that the suspicious package did not pose any threat. “We understand the concern this may cause, but we can confirm there was no danger to the public,” the spokesperson said.
Hoax Device or Not, Security Was Tightened
Although the device turned out to be a hoax, the quick action by authorities highlights the ongoing security concerns in London and around key government sites. In recent years, the UK has witnessed multiple high-profile security incidents, and the Metropolitan Police remain on high alert.
The suspicious package was initially treated with the utmost seriousness, with bomb disposal teams being deployed to the scene. After the explosion, it was confirmed that the item was a hoax, but police took no chances in dealing with the situation.
Airport Evacuations Raise Concerns Over Heightened Security
The tense atmosphere around the US embassy was further compounded by an unrelated security incident at Gatwick Airport. A “security alert” led to the evacuation of a large section of the airport’s south terminal. The terminal was closed for over four hours, causing significant disruptions to travelers.
In an official statement, Gatwick Airport confirmed that the south terminal had been cleared while police investigated the situation. “The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police,” the statement read. “The south terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.”
During the lockdown, at least 16 departures and 13 arrivals were canceled, including flights operated by British Airways. Passengers on other flights were allowed to board, but only those who had already passed through security before the evacuation.
Public Safety Remains a Priority
While the hoax device outside the US embassy was determined to be harmless, the combination of this event and the security scare at Gatwick illustrates the continued importance of security vigilance in London. With international tensions high and the world closely watching major urban centers, authorities in the UK have made clear their commitment to ensuring public safety.
“The nature of these incidents requires a rapid and coordinated response,” said the police spokesperson. “While the device was ultimately found to be a hoax, we will continue to investigate every lead and ensure the safety of all individuals in the vicinity.”
Authorities Urged to Remain on High Alert
The hoax device incident outside the US embassy serves as a reminder of the critical role security forces play in preventing potential threats, even in the face of hoaxes. While this specific incident did not result in harm, authorities remain on high alert, particularly around sensitive locations such as foreign embassies.
“We appreciate the swift response of local authorities and their commitment to keeping London safe,” the US embassy commented in its statement. “We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the security of our staff and the public.”
