Westminster bomb scare: Road closures as police surround ‘suspicious vehicle’ near Parliament

Emergency services have surrounded a suspicious vehicle at Westminster Abbey in an ongoing incident.

Police are currently in the vicinity of the central London royal church, where a number of roads have been closed.

The building is just metres from the Houses of Parliament and close to Whitehall and No10 Downing Street.

Two bangs have reportedly been heard near the scene, and it’s understood the bomb squad are in attendance.

What have police said about what has happened in Westminster?

The City of Westminster Police tweeted out a warning earlier this afternoon.

A spokesperson said: “Police are at currently in the vicinity of Westminster Abbey dealing with an ongoing incident involving what is believed to be a suspicious vehicle.

“A number of road closures are in place while emergency services deal with the incident.”

While BBC Radio Travel are reporting that police have “closed off Broad Sanctuary by Westminster Abbey due to reports of a suspicious looking vehicle”.

They added: “Also in that vicinity, there are roadworks delays along Victoria Street and Abingson Street and Millbank are closed for works.”

What is the situation now?

A Met Police spokesperson told LondonWorld: “At 2.05pm police became aware of what was believed be a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of Westminster Abbey.

“A cordon and a number of road closures were put in place.

“Two controlled explosions were carried out. The incident was stood down at 5pm.

“Roads have reopened and the cordon has been lifted. No arrests; enquiries ongoing.”

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that Westminster and St James’ Park tubes were closed.

More to follow.