White House placed on lockdown after woman seeing throwing 'suspicious object' over fence

The Memorial Day security alert came while President Obama was in the building

The alert happened while Mr Obama was in the White House (NBC)

The north side of the White House has been placed on a security lockdown after a suspicious package was spotted during the Memorial Day holiday. It was reported that a woman was seen throwing something over the White House fence.

The security alert occurred while President Barack Obama was home.

Reporters were not allowed to leave the White House compound through its northwest gate and flashing lights from emergency responders could be seen nearby. The official said hazardous material checks were being made, Reuters said.

Mr Obama had visited Arlington Cemetery earlier in the day as part of the annual commemoration for armed services members.