A suspicious package discovered outside the United States Embassy in London on Friday morning triggered a swift response from the Metropolitan Police, who conducted a controlled explosion before declaring the item a hoax. The incident disrupted operations at the embassy and raised security concerns in the city.
Officers responded to reports of the package outside the embassy in the Nine Elms district, quickly cordoning off Ponton Road and surrounding areas as a precaution. "We're aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy," the Metropolitan Police said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The loud explosion heard in the area was confirmed to be a controlled detonation carried out by bomb disposal experts.
Following the operation, the police issued an update: "Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow." While most of the area was reopened to the public, some cordons remained in place to allow authorities to continue their inquiry.
The U.S. Embassy acknowledged the situation on social media, confirming the temporary suspension of its services. "The U.S. Embassy is back to normal business operations, with the exception that all public appointments for November 22 have been canceled," the embassy stated.
The embassy, which relocated to its current location in January 2018, was designed with advanced security features, including a moat. The $1 billion facility was entirely funded by the sale of other U.S. government properties in London and reflects stringent security measures in place to protect U.S. interests overseas.
Simultaneously, a separate security scare unfolded at London Gatwick Airport, where Sussex Police evacuated the South Terminal following the discovery of a "suspected prohibited item" in a passenger's luggage. Authorities deployed a bomb disposal team to the scene, causing significant disruption to travelers and temporarily closing roads around the terminal. "We are advising the public to avoid the area where possible," Sussex Police said on X.
At this stage, no connection has been established between the suspicious package at the U.S. Embassy and the incident at Gatwick Airport. However, both events underscored the heightened state of alert in London and the readiness of law enforcement to respond to potential threats.
While the embassy resumed operations within hours of the all-clear, Gatwick Airport faced continued delays as officials worked to address the situation. Sussex Police confirmed that the investigation into the item found at the airport was ongoing.
The Metropolitan Police emphasized their commitment to public safety and reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of potential threats. "Our priority is ensuring the safety of the public, and we will continue to investigate the origins of the device found at the U.S. Embassy," the department said.
No injuries were reported in connection with either incident, but the disruptions highlighted the impact of such security alerts on daily operations and travel. The embassy's quick return to business underscored the effectiveness of its security protocols, though officials are likely to review procedures in the wake of the scare.
