US Embassy in lockdown: Armed police rush to 'suspicious package' as major London roads closed
WATCH: Moment phone snatching gang arrested by the Met Police
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The US Embassy has been put in lockdown after armed police rushed to investigate a "suspicious package" in London.
Following online speculation, the Metropolitan Police said that it had cordoned off major London roads in Nine Elms as a precautionary measure.
Responding to the incident, the US Embassy said: "Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the US Embassy in London.
"Met Police are present and have closed Ponton Road out of an abundance of caution.
Police officers attended the scene on Friday morning
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"We will provide further updates when available."
Following further investigation, Scotland Yard added that officers carried out a "controlled explosion" in the area "a short time ago", in which a "loud bang" will have been heard by people in the vicinity.
However, the force also confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and streets will remain cordoned off.
The Metropolitan Police deployed specialist officers to safely detonate the package, which had been identified as "suspicious".
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Roads surrounding the area have been shut off to traffic and pedestrians as police continue to conduct investigations.
One witness near the building said: "Lots of armed police, fire trucks, etc…"
London's US Embassy moved to its Nine Elms location at the start of 2018.
The building, which houses the largest US Embassy in Western Europe, looks over London's iconic River Thames.
Over the years, the US Embassy has been a prime location for many protestors
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Over the years, the US Embassy has been a prime location for many protestors, including those who organised anti-racism demonstrations in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020.
Just Stop Oil recently vandalised one of the building's walls with orange paint after Donald Trump's victory over Kamala Harris on November 5.
Sharing a video of their protest online, the organisation posted: "Trump's win puts the lives of ordinary people at risk, everywhere."
The Metropolitan Police arrested two men following the Trump victory incident.
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