US Embassy in London returns to normal after police carry out controlled explosion of package

The US moved its embassy from Mayfair, central London, to a 12-storey purpose-built glass cube in Nine Elms in 2018, partly for safety reasons. (Courtesy: Reuters file photo)

The US Embassy in London returned to normal operations on Friday afternoon after police carried out the controlled explosion of a suspicious package that was found in the area earlier in the day.

London's Metropolitan Police Service closed a road on the west side of the embassy out of an “abundance of caution” as they investigated the incident, the embassy said in a statement. The embassy said it had returned to “normal business operations” by early afternoon, although all public appointments were cancelled for the day.
“Local authorities investigated and cleared a suspicious package outside the Embassy," the embassy said. ”Thanks to @metpoliceuk for your swift action, and thanks to all visitors for your cooperation and patience at this time." Also Friday, authorities evacuated the south terminal of London's Gatwick Airport while they investigated a suspicious item found in luggage. Sussex Police said they had sent an ordnance disposal team to the airport as a precaution.