Police carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious package abandoned near the British Museum in central London.
Office workers had to be evacuated as Great Russell Street and Montague Place were cordoned off by the emergency services at 8.34am on Thursday.
Metropolitan Police officers arrived at the scene and cleared people from the surrounding area.
Bomb disposal teams examined the package and safely carried out a controlled explosion.
A police spokesman said the object was confirmed to be “non-suspicious”.
Eyewitness Ben Douse posted photos and videos to X, formerly Twitter, showing Montague Place which runs at the rear of the museum.
He wrote: “Been evacuated from our office due to a bomb threat. Just had a controlled explosion.”
Been evacuated from our office due to a bomb threat. Just had a controlled explosion. pic.twitter.com/wMMVzmwg7Y
— Ben Douse (@BenDouse) October 10, 2024
The Met Police issued a statement about the 'suspicious package'.
Scotland Yard said: “On Thursday, October 10 police were called at 8.43am to the British Museum, WC1 following reports of a suspicious package.
“Officers attended the scene and evacuated the surrounding area as they inspected the package.
“A control explosion was carried out safely by specialist officers. The package was confirmed to be non-suspicious.
“The area has now been re-opened.”
