Trafalgar Square evacuated by armed police after 'suspicious item' found

Trafalgar Square was evacuated
@TrivPursuits/Twitter

Trafalgar Square was evacuated by armed police after a “suspicious item” was found.

The popular tourist destination was cordoned off shortly after 2.30pm and Charing Cross Tube station was also closed.

There was a heavy police presence in the area, according to witnesses, as emergency services descended on the scene.

Pictures posted on social media showed a deserted Trafalgar Square as a large part of the area was put on lockdown.

A Met Police spokeswoman told the Standard: “We were called at 2.40pm to reports of a suspicious item in Duncannon Street.

“We have police in attendance. Cordons are in place and Charing Cross station has been closed as a precaution."

Police tweeted: "Police called to reports of a suspicious item in Charing Cross. Not being treated as terrorist related at this time. No injuries."

The incident was over by 3.40pm, police said.

Ten bus routes had been placed on diversion as people were warned to avoid the area.

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