The Met says Kensington Gardens has been reopened after reports of a ‘powdered substance’ near the Israel Embassy
The lockdown of one of the UK’s Royal Parks is now over as police say the area has been cleared with ‘no risk to the public’. On Friday, officers swarmed Kensington Gardens over reports of a suspicious substance near the Embassy of Israel.
The Met Police said it was called following the “discovery of several suspicious items” including two jars “containing a powdered substance” yesterday morning (April 17).
Residents were urged to avoid the sprawling gardens while a major investigation was underway relating to an online video “featuring a group who claimed to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel with drones carrying dangerous substances”.
The force said the drones appeared to carry “radioactive and dangerous carcinogenic material”.
Armed cops, counter terrorism and specialist officers wearing protective clothing were seen combing the area, as were divers from the underwater search team who were spotted by the Round Pond ornamental lake.
The London Fire Brigade also brought its fire investigation dogs to assist with the scene, with the animals specially trained to detect traces of chemicals or accelerants such as petrol or lighter fluid.
Meanwhile, a huge police cordon and signs hugged the border of the park, which read: “PARK CLOSED Hazardous conditions – do not enter”.
In an update on Saturday evening (April 18), the force says the substances have been deemed “non-hazardous” but the investigation continues.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public. We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken.
“Although the items found have been assessed as being non-hazardous, we continue to investigate whether they may have any link to the online video. This work is being carried out by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London and our enquiries remain ongoing.
“While the Embassy of Israel was not attacked, we continue to work closely with the Embassy and its security team to keep the site safe and secure.”
The force added: “We ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything that doesn’t look or feel right to police. You can call police on 0800 789 321 or report it online via www.gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
