US Embassy in London on 'lockdown' as armed police race to scene to probe 'suspect package'

The US embassy successful London is successful a authorities of 'lockdown' arsenic constabulary officers probe a 'suspect package'.

Witnesses said roads astir the embassy were closed to postulation and equipped constabulary officers and the occurrence work are astatine the country successful Nine Elms. 

A 'loud bang' was reported successful the country soon aft a cordon was enactment into place.

The Met confirmed this was a 'controlled explosion' arsenic portion of their investigation. 

A connection from the embassy, posted connected X, read: 'Local authorities are investigating a suspicious bundle extracurricular the U.S. Embassy successful London. 

'Met Police are contiguous and person closed Ponton Road retired of an abundance of caution. We volition supply further updates erstwhile available.'

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: 'We're alert of speculation online astir an incidental successful the vicinity of the US Embassy successful Nine Elms. 

'Cordons are successful spot successful the country arsenic a precaution portion officers analyse a fishy package. 

'We tin corroborate that the 'loud bang' reported successful the country a abbreviated clip agone was a controlled detonation carried retired by officers. 

'Enquiries are inactive ongoing and cordons volition stay successful spot for the clip being.'

This is simply a breaking news communicative and is being updated.