Police carry out controlled explosion on suspicious package found outside North Korean embassy in London

Neighbours evacuated from their homes

File photo: Police stand outside the North Korean embassy in Ealing on the day it was opened in 2003 (PA Archive/PA Images)

Local residents have been evacuated as police investigate a suspicious package found outside North Korea’s embassy in Ealing, west London.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to a report of a "suspicious item" shortly before 8pm outside the semi-detached house.

Police cordoned off roads, evacuated houses and reportedly carried out a controlled explosion at about 9.30pm.

The package was then found to be non-threatening.

A number of ambulances also attended the scene.

The North Korean embassy is located inside a seven bedroom suburban house once owned by Carry On actor Sid James.