US Embassy in London on lockdown after loud bang and ‘legitimate threat’

The United States embassy in London was plunged into lockdown over a ‘security alert’.

Armed police and fire services were photographed outside of the building in Nine Elms, London.

Metropolitan Police said in a statement: ‘We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Nine Elms.

‘Cordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.  We will provide a further update in due course.’

Bebark Iqbal was inside the Embassy with his wife when it was put on lockdown.

He told Metro: ‘We’ve been allowed to exit now, but we were stuck in here for 30 to 45 minutes.’

A US Embassy spokesperson said: ‘Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the US Embassy in London.

‘Met Police are present and have closed Ponton Road out of an abundance of caution.

‘We will provide further updates when available. Please monitor Met Police for updates.’

A witness cited a ‘loud bang’ which he claims police confirmed was ‘genuine’.

Nearby roads have been closed to traffic and pedestrians while police investigate the cause.

One witness wrote on X: ‘Lots of armed police, fire trucks, etc…’

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