The US Embassy has been put in lockdown after armed police rushed to investigate a "suspicious package" in central London.
Following online speculation, the Met has said that they have cordoned off major London roads in Nine Elms as a precautionary measure.
Sharing the news online, the US Embassy released a statement saying: "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.
"We will provide further updates when available."
Following further investigation, the Met Police 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, they confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and streets will remain cordoned off in the busy for now.
The Met deployed specialist officers to safely detonate the package, which had been identified as "suspicious".
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Following online speculation, the Met has said that they have cordoned off major London roads in Nine Elms as a precautionary measure.
Sharing the news online, the US Embassy released a statement saying: "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.
"We will provide further updates when available."
Following further investigation, the Met Police 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, they confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and streets will remain cordoned off in the busy for now.
The Met deployed specialist officers to safely detonate the package, which had been identified as "suspicious".
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