The lockdown at one of the UK’s Royal Parks has ended after police confirmed that the area is safe for the public. Kensington Gardens was swarmed by officers on Friday in response to a report of a suspicious substance near the Embassy of Israel.
The Metropolitan Police were alerted after the discovery of multiple suspicious items, including two jars containing a powdered substance on the morning of April 17. Residents were advised to avoid the gardens as a significant investigation was launched in connection with an online video claiming to target the nearby Embassy of Israel using drones carrying hazardous substances.
Authorities mentioned that the drones were believed to be carrying radioactive and potentially carcinogenic material. The area was thoroughly searched by armed officers, counter-terrorism units, and specialists in protective gear, including divers from the underwater search team at the Round Pond ornamental lake.
The London Fire Brigade deployed fire investigation dogs trained to detect chemical traces like petrol or lighter fluid to assist at the scene. A large police cordon surrounded the park with signs warning of hazardous conditions and closure to the public.
In an update on April 18, the police confirmed that the substances found were not hazardous, but investigations are ongoing. Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation during the operation and reassured ongoing efforts to determine any potential link to the online video.
While confirming that the Embassy of Israel was not attacked, authorities emphasized the continued collaboration with the Embassy’s security team to ensure safety. The public was urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the police. Emergency situations should be reported by dialing 999 or through the online reporting system provided on the government’s website.
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