US embassy in London cordoned off as police carry out 'controlled explosion'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Police have carried out a controlled explosion outside the US embassy in London after responding to reports of a suspicious package.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police put a cordon in place around the area while it investigated the incident in Nine Elms, London.

Firefighters were also called to the scene while several people were escorted away from the building, according to reports. A spokesperson for the Met police said: “We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Nine Elms.

Cordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.” READ NEXT: Gatwick Airport evacuated with terminal shut amid major 'security incident' They later added: “We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.” It is understood enquiries are still ongoing and cordons will remain in place for the time being.