Two controlled detonations took place in Parliament Square, London today.
Details of an ‘alleged bomb threat’ had been shared on social media this afternoon.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene, near Westminster Abbey, around 4.30pm.
Two tube stations, Westminster and St James’, were closed, according to the Evening Standard.
Westminster Police tweeted: ‘Two controlled explosions were carried out close to Westminster Abbey.
‘The incident was stood down at about 5pm. Roads have reopened and the cordon has been lifted.’
A ‘suspicious vehicle’ had sparked the concerns.
Police bomb squad officers broke a car window and cracked open the boot using a robot to search it (Picture: Rex)
Police behind a cordon at the scene in Westminster today (Picture: Rex)
Parliament Square was surrounded by police this afternoon (Picture: Jacob Polden @jacobpolden)
Police cordoned Tothill Street and the surrounding area (Picture: Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)
Emergency services raced to Westminster Abbey today (Picture: Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)
Earlier, Westminster Police tweeted: ‘We are at currently in the vicinity of #Westminster Abbey dealing with an ongoing incident involving what is believed to be a suspicious vehicle.
‘A number of road closures are in place while emergency services deal with the incident.’
Nearby buildings were reportedly evacuated amid the incident, including Westminster School and the Queen Elizabeth II Centre.
Witnesses reported hearing ‘explosions’ at 4.30pm this afternoon.
The Spectator’s James Heale tweeted: ‘Parliament Square has been closed off over an alleged bomb threat, one staffer reports seeing the “little robot driving around.”‘
No arrests have been confirmed relating to the incident.
Police enquiries are ongoing.
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