Trafalgar Square evacuated after 'suspect package' found near landmark
Scotland Yard said they had cordoned off an area of Whitehall opposite the Horse Guards Parade
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Trafalgar Square has been evacuated after a “suspicious item” was found near the iconic London landmark.
Scotland Yard said they had cordoned off an area of Whitehall between the square and the Horse Guards Parade at around 7:53pm on Wednesday due to a “police incident”.
The item was confirmed as harmless shortly before 9pm, however the incident triggered fears from bystanders who said pedestrians were cleared from the streets and large numbers of police officers were seen in the area.
Nearby pubs and shops were also cleared during to the incident, the Sun reports.
Tom Harwood tweeted: “Whitehall and parts of Trafalgar Square completely closed down. Lots of police everywhere.”
Sky Sports reporter Orla Chennaoui posted: "Returning home to see Whitehall and surrounding area in central London shut down because of serious police incident. Whole area cordoned off."
Trafalgar Square is one of the capital’s tourist hotspots and is located a mile away from Westminster Palace and hundreds of yards away from Downing Street.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments