South Bank was evacuated and four bridges over the Thames were briefly closed today, while police investigated a ‘possible security threat’.
An initial statement from the Metropolitian Police confirmed the incident soon after 11:00 a.m.
London’s South Bank, an area which is thronged with tourists on their half-term holidays, was evacuated due to reports of a suspicious package.
Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, along with the Hungerford and Golden Jubilee footbridges were also shut by officers, bringing the traffic in the area to a complete standstill.
Commuters were directed by officers to alternative routes.
Minutes later at 11:30 a.m. the Met confirmed the item had been assessed and was not suspicious.
“Road closures will be lifted immediately,” wrote the force. “We thank the public for their cooperation.”
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The London Eye was closed as a precautionary safety measure.
A London Eye Twitter statement read: ‘We have temporarily paused boarding due to an ongoing police investigation nearby.
‘Although the incident is not related to the London Eye we have paused operation as a safety precaution.’
The tourist attraction soon reopened at 12:15 p.m.