Police conduct controlled explosion near US Embassy, London

Background

The US Embassy had moved to its current location in Nine Elms near the River Thames in 2018 due to security concerns. The area was cordoned off by police as a precaution while they investigated a suspicious package found outside the building.

Incident

A loud bang was reported in the area, which was confirmed to be a controlled explosion carried out by officers. Initial indications suggested that the item was a hoax device. Police had set up cordons near the high-security site and were investigating the incident.

Details of the Incident

• A loud bang was heard and the area around the US Embassy was cordoned off by police.

• Officers said they were responding to a report of a suspicious package near the River Thames.

• The Metropolitan Police force conducted the explosion after setting up cordons near the high-security site in Nine Elms, just south of the River Thames.

• Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device.

Response

The US Embassy resumed business as usual after the incident, and police urged the public to remain calm. The Metropolitan Police force provided updates on their social media platform, stating that enquiries were still ongoing and cordons would remain in place for the time being.

Actions Taken by Authorities

• A bomb disposal unit was deployed as a precaution after the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.

• A large part of Gatwick Airport’s south terminal was evacuated while a security incident was investigated.

• Other flights continued to depart but were only carrying passengers who had passed through security before the evacuation.

Security Measures

The US Embassy moved to a more secure location in 2018, located in the Nine Elms area near the River Thames. The embassy’s purpose-built glass cube building is situated next to upscale apartment buildings in what was once an industrial area.

Additional Security Incidents

• Gatwick Airport had also been evacuated due to a security incident, with a large part of its south terminal closed while police investigated a suspected prohibited item in luggage. Other flights continued to depart but only carried passengers who had passed through security before the evacuation.

Investigation

An investigation into the hoax device is now underway, and police have stated that they will provide further updates as necessary.

New Location for US Embassy

The US Embassy is now located in the Nine Elms area near the River Thames, having moved from its central London location in Mayfair in 2018 for security reasons. The embassy’s purpose-built glass cube building is situated next to upscale apartment buildings and features Battersea Power Station, a 1930s-era landmark transformed into a shopping and dining complex.