‘Controlled explosion’ near US embassy, Gatwick Airport South Terminal ‘security incident’ puts UK on alert

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that a controlled explosion was carried out on Friday near the US Embassy in Nine Elms.
This came following reports of a suspicious package in the area. “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,” the US Embassy in London had said.

Authorities initially cordoned off the vicinity as a precaution while they investigated the reported package. “We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy,” the police had stated on X, adding that updates would be provided as the situation developed.
Later, police confirmed the explosion, explaining the “loud bang” heard in the area. “We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police announced.

Investigations are ongoing, and cordons remain in place as authorities ensure the area is safe, as told by the UK Police. Following initial investigations it was reported that the device is believed to be a hoax and the Embassy is back to normal operations. “Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” said the Metro Police.

Additionally, thanking the Metro Police for their “swift action”, the US Embassy in London confirmed, “The US Embassy is back to normal business operations, with the exception that all public appointments (visa appointments, passport appointments, and other American Citizen services) for 22 November have been cancelled. Applicants will be contacted via email to reschedule. Local authorities investigated and cleared a suspicious package outside the Embassy.”
Meanwhile, in another “security incident” a large part of the South Terminal of UK’s Gatwick airport has been evacuated. “A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident. Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing,” said the Airport in a statement on X while assuring that the authorities are investigating the incident keeping passenger safety in mind.

Sussex Police later confirmed the discovery of a “suspected prohibited item in luggage” following which the bomb squad was deployed to the Airport. “A security cordon is in place around the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport following discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage. Police were called at 8.20am this morning and, as a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed,” said the Sussex Police.

Then, urging the public to follow updates on their social media channel, the police added, “This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.”
In light of the incident, the railway station at Gatwick Airport has also been shut down, according to an announcement from the British rail infrastructure operator.