Westminster bomb scare: Roads closed over 'suspicious package' near parliament

Controlled explosion carried out and incident stood down

Part of central London close to Parliament has been cordoned off by police amid reports of a "suspicious package".

Authorities were called to Embankment Gardens at 15:40 on 17 October after suggestions of a bomb scare in the area.

Traffic was diverted and the roads near the Houses of Parliament were blocked off while police investigated.

People took to social media to post images of the area completely deserted.

A controlled explosion was carried out by a bomb disposal robot an hour later and the incident has since been stood down.

During the controlled explosions workers in nearby buildings were reportedly told to move away from windows. .

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "A controlled explosion was carried out at approximately 16:40.

"The incident has now been stood down and deemed non-suspicious.

"Cordons are in the process of being lifted."