A “controlled explosion” was carried out by London’s Metropolitan Police after a suspicious package was found outside the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms on Friday, Nov. 22. Police established a cordon around the area as a precaution.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were alerted to the package early Friday. Ponton Road, which runs past the embassy, was closed while the investigation was underway.

We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Nine Elms.

Cordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.

We will provide a further update in due course.

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 22, 2024

In a statement, the police confirmed the controlled detonation: “We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.” The investigation is ongoing, and the area remains cordoned off.

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The U.S. Embassy in London acknowledged the incident in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the U.S. Embassy in London. Met Police are present and have closed Ponton Road out of an abundance of caution. We will provide further updates when available.”

Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the U.S. Embassy in London. Met Police are present and have closed Ponton Road out of an abundance of caution. We will provide further updates when available. Please monitor @metpoliceuk for updates.

— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) November 22, 2024

The embassy, which opened in its Nine Elms location in 2018, is a 12-story building surrounded by a security moat and cost $1 billion to construct. It was funded entirely by proceeds from the sale of other U.S. government properties in London.

Inquiries into the origins of the package are ongoing.