A suspicious item was found near the high-security US Embassy in Nine Elms, located south of the River Thames. Authorities quickly cordoned off the area and conducted a controlled explosion, which resulted in a loud bang.
In a post on X, the Metropolitan Police mentioned:
“Initial indications suggest that the item was a hoax device.”
The US Embassy also released a statement confirming the police investigation and noted that a nearby road had been closed as a precautionary measure.
Gatwick Airport Security Alert
In a related high-security incident, a significant portion of Gatwick Airport’s south terminal was evacuated earlier in the day due to a “suspected prohibited item in luggage.”
Timeline:
A bomb disposal unit was called in, and the terminal remained closed for more than four hours.
At 1445 GMT, authorities announced that the terminal had been cleared and reopened.
Impact on Flights:
Several flights were canceled, including 16 departures and 13 arrivals by British Airways.
Flights with pre-screened passengers were permitted to continue during the evacuation.
The UK is staying alert in light of these incidents, prioritizing public safety with prompt and strong responses.
