Parts of Westminster were temporarily shut down by police responding to a security incident.
Buildings in Whitehall, which houses several government departments, were evacuated as officers investigated a “suspicious package” on Wednesday afternoon..
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said it had been called at around 12.15pm and closed roads in the area while officers assessed the package.
A short time later, the force confirmed that the item was found not to be dangerous and cordons were being lifted.
“Officers assessed the package and confirmed it was not suspicious,” a spokesperson said. “Road closures were lifted at approximately 12.45pm.”
It comes weeks after a car crashed into the gates of Downing Street, sparking another evacuation.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving.
