Police carry out a ‘controlled explosion’ in Trafalgar Square after evacuating public

Police have carried out a ‘controlled explosion’ in Trafalgar Square this morning, after evacuating the public in a security scare — hours before thousands are set to gather at Party at The Palace.

Police tape can be seen in video footage shared from the London site, with officers redirecting cars and people before 11am. They have now given the all clear.

It is understood that there was a ‘controlled explosion’, with people reporting a loud band, after a suspicious vehicle had been found — but this has not been confirmed. 

The road was closed off and pedestrians were being told to get out of the area. Some have suggested that a hotel was also evacuated, and the front of the National Gallery — overlooking the square — locked.

Officers were redirecting people out of the area, with police tape in place

The road was closed and cars were also being redirected out of the area

It is understood that there was a ‘controlled explosion’, after a suspicious vehicle had been found

Officers were redirecting people down the street. They have now given the all clear

A journalist at the scene, Jon Hansen, said on Twitter that he was rushed out of his hotel.

‘Vehicle left out overnight,’ he wrote. ‘Saw all four windows of the car smashed out. Told us they were waiting for controlled explosion. 

‘They rushed us down the street. When we reached the other side of Trafalgar (around the back) heard loud explosion.’

He said that there was ‘no panic’ and that police kept moving people back. 

‘Police seemed to have it under control,’ he wrote. ‘The hotel staff had told us they wanted us all out before the police detonated the suspicious car or perhaps a package inside of it.’

Others also reported hearing a loud bang.

Westminster Police on Twitter said: ‘Officers are currently at Trafalgar Square where they have evacuated the scene. Please do not travel to the area.

‘Police remain on scene. The incident has now been concluded and the square will reopen in due course.’ 

The fire brigade were also attending the scene. Ambulance crews are aware of the incident but had not been called.