Police Carry Out 'Controlled Explosion' In Westminster, But Bag Found Not Suspicious

Safety cordons have been lifted.

Police have carried out a controlled explosion in Westminster, but say the unattended bag they found was not suspicious.

Reports emerged a loud bang had been heard in the area close to yesterday’s terror attack.

Police say they've just carried out a controlled explosion within earshot of our live point #Westminster pic.twitter.com/bEPkkvFIDn

— Pia Talbot (@piatalbot) March 23, 2017

Sky Sources: police have carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious package near Horse Guards Parade close to Downing Street

— Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) March 23, 2017

The Metropolitan Police swiftly confirmed a suspicious package had been found, but moved to make clear the controlled explosion was a matter of routine.

Unattended bag found Birdcage Walk/Horseguards was not suspicious. All cordons put in for safety being lifted. Thanks for your patience.

— Westminster Police (@MPSWestminster) March 23, 2017

The force has been receiving a surge in calls in the wake of the attack as they have told the public to be vigilant.

A series of false alarms have been reported across London as the city remains edgy in the aftermath of yesterday’s events.

Curtain Road in Shoreditch, East London was cordoned off by police due to a “suspicious package” but it was later deemed not a risk.

That would explain our evacuation from @spectator offices half an hour ago or so. https://t.co/RRW8Nakd9X

— Will Heaven (@WillHeaven) March 23, 2017

Controlled explosion just outside Parliament :O

— Phil Verney (@philverney) March 23, 2017
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