British Museum evacuated: Controlled explosion of unattended vehicle carried out after 'security concern'

Museum has now reopened following 'chaotic' scenes

The British Museum is visited by more than 6.8 million people each year

The British Museum has been evacuated amid a "security concern" after a suspicious vehicle was spotted outside the London attraction.

Families enjoying a day out at the start of the school holidays were reportedly thrown into panic when they were suddenly asked to leave.

The popular attraction said on Twitter: “The Museum is evacuated temporarily due to a security concern nearby. We apologise and will update when we can.”

Several people took to social media to describe the disruption, with one person tweeting: “I’ve just been in a British Museum evacuation and it was total chaos."

“Russell Square closed and controlled explosion has taken place. Trying to get to hotel for wedding reception,” another person tweeted.

One said: “Suspicious package in Russell Square. Roads and park cordoned off. Our offices evacuated.”

The museum has now reopened and confirmed the closure was down to a security scare.

The Metropolitian Police said the operation has now been stood down and that nothing was deemed suspicious.