Police deny explosion in Westminster after witnesses claim they heard loud bangs
'Gun shots and explosions' have been reported in Westminster after a suspect package was found less than a mile from where the London terror attack unfolded.
Witnesses reported the explosion at 8.30pm tonight and police confirmed that they had found a package close to Downing Street.
A Met Police spokesman claimed that no explosion has taken place on Birdcage Walk, near where mourners have gathered for a vigil in Trafalgar Square.
The force later revealed that an unattended bag had sparked the alert.
Witnesses reported the suspect package had been found in Westminster tonight
The discarded bag was found close to Horse Guards Road, next to St James' Park, police confirmed
A Metropolitan Police spokesman told MailOnline that officers had been called after a suspect package was found in Birdcage Walk, close to Buckingham Palace.
The road runs from the landmark, down past the Palace of Westminster, and turns into the A302, which goes over Westminster Bridge.
Four people were killed when the attacker mowed down pedestrians and cyclists on the bridge then stabbed an officer by the gates of the Houses of Parliament.
Two civilians injured on the bridge died, as well as the policeman and Masmood, who was shot by another officer moments after stabbing his colleague.
Paul Abernethy wrote on Twitter: 'Down in Westminster, just heard what sounded like an explosion. Not sure what happened though. Police said they were dealing w/ new incident.'
Sky News producer Pia Talbot claimed that police told them they had carried out a controlled explosion within earshot of their crew.
A police spokesman said: 'Officers were called at 7.40pm, he stated.
He said: ‘In this case we are dealing with a suspect package.’
The spokesman said police would not be releasing further information.
Most watched News videos
- Shocking moment woman is abducted by man in Oregon
- Police on scene: Aerials of Ammanford school after stabbing
- Moment escaped Household Cavalry horses rampage through London
- Prison Break fail! Moment prisoners escape prison and are arrested
- Ammanford school 'stabbing': Police and ambulance on scene
- Shocking moment pandas attack zookeeper in front of onlookers
- Wills' rockstar reception! Prince of Wales greeted with huge cheers
- New AI-based Putin biopic shows the president soiling his nappy
- All the moments King's Guard horses haven't kept their composure
- Drag Queen reads to kids during a Pro-Palestine children's event
- British Army reveals why Household Cavalry horses escaped
- Shadow Transport Secretary: Labour 'can't promise' lower train fares