Whitehall is cordoned off (Image: @charliejrome/@ipah34/X)
London’s Whitehall was placed on lockdown and the road closed completely to the public after reports of a suspicious package.
A video from the scene shows the central London street cordoned off with a number of officers standing guard on Tuesday afternoon (December 24).
At least three police cars were stationed at the scene with blue lights flashing and crowds gathered behind a police cordon.
Unconfirmed reports had suggested a suspicious package as the reason for the closure, with one claim of a laptop shutting Horse Guards Parade.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed officers were checking out an item found near Horse Guards Parade. It was checked and the incident stood down, according to a spokesperson for the force.
This blog has closed now, but you can still read our coverage below.
Scotland Yard responds to report of suspicious item
Scotland Yard has confirmed officers were called to reports of an item found near Horse Guards Parade which has now been checked out and the incident stood down.
Where is Horse Guards Parade?
Horse Guards Parade is in Whitehall, not far from Trafalgar Square, Downing Street and St James’s Park.
Horse Guards Parade appears in the middle of this map (Image: Google Maps)
What is Horse Guards?
Horse Guards is the official entrance to St. James’s and Buckingham Palace. It dates from the 18th century and was designed by William Kent, the then Chief Architect to King George II.
The building is guarded by two mounted cavalry troopers of The King’s Life Guard who are posted outside from 10am to 4pm everyday.
The Life Guard change takes place at 11am daily and 10am on Sundays.
Second video shows horses led inside Horse Guards Parade
Another video posted on X shows horses being led back inside Horse Guards Parade as well as an armed officer and man dressed in military uniform closing the gates afterwards.
The unverified footage is accompanied by a claim that a suspicious package closed the route.
Express.co.uk cannot verify that claim or the video. Scotland Yard has been approached for comment.
Suspect package with a laptop shuts down whitehall horseguards parade BREAKING NEWS
u2014 Trust24 (@ipah34)
Video shows Whitehall almost empty with police at the scene
Footage posted on X shows a stretch of Whitehall completely shut off to the public with a crowd gathered behind a police cordon near Trafalgar Square.
It was shared from an account named Dr Bettina Friedrich about 40 minutes ago.
Anyone know why is completely cordoned off?
u2014 Dr. Bettina Friedrich (@betty_friedrich)
Welcome to our live blog
Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog on the apparent incident in Whitehall, central London.