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‘Suspicious package’ found outside US embassy in London

LONDON — A suspicious package was discovered outside the United States embassy in London on Friday morning, police said.

The London Metropolitan Police immediately closed Ponton Road outside of the embassy in β€œan abundance of caution,” according to their statement, before they destroyed it in a controlled explosion.

β€œWe’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Nine Elms,” the Met Police said. β€œCordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.”

Authorities updated the situation approximately an hour later after reports of a β€œloud bang” began circulating online.

Firefighters stand near the U.S. Embassy, amid ongoing investigation following an incident in London, Britain, November 22, 2024. REUTERS/Mina Kim

Mina Kim/Reuters

β€œWe can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers. Enquiries are still ongoing and cordons will remain in place for the time being,” police said.

The U.S. embassy in London moved to a brand-new purpose-built location in January 2018. The 12-story government office — complete with a moat surrounding it — cost approximately $1 billion to construct and was funded entirely from proceeds of sale from other U.S. government property in London, according to the U.S. government.


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