British Museum evacuated after ‘suspicious device’ discovered in toilet
Visitors were evacuated after the British Museum received “malicious communications” and found a “suspicious device” in the toilet.
The museum said the Met Police were called to the area in central London at 2.50pm on Saturday, where officers carried out a full investigation.
Visitors were readmitted at 4pm after police declared the museum safe and it was confirmed there was no ongoing threat.
A British Museum spokesman said: “The safety and security of our visitors, colleagues and volunteers is always our top priority.
“We are grateful to the police and emergency services for their quick and professional response, and to our visitors and staff for their cooperation during the evacuation. The museum has now reopened and normal activities have resumed.”
“As this remains a police matter, we will not be commenting further on the nature of communications received.”
A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers responded to and assessed the package. It was determined it was not suspicious and the incident was discontinued.”
It comes after the British Museum postponed a lecture on ancient Israel as part of Jewish Culture Month after discovering that a large number of attendees planned to disrupt the event.
The museum said in a statement on Wednesday: “In recent days, we have been informed that a significant number of registered participants are individuals who deliberately disrupt the event, prevent others from participating in good faith, and undermine the purpose of the program.”
“The British Museum is fully aware of the importance of lawful protest and freedom of expression in a democratic society. Equally, we have a responsibility to ensure that events held at the museum can proceed safely, securely and without any threat to speakers, staff and visitors.
“Following discussions with organizers and security partners, a joint decision was made to postpone the event to a later date when it can take place in an environment that appropriately protects both the audience experience and the integrity of the programme.”
The decision to postpone the event was met with criticism from many people, including BBC historian and presenter Simon Schama, who described the decision as “pathetic cowardice”.
In a post about X, he said it was “absolutely the wrong decision” that “sends a terrible message”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Wes Streeting also criticized the move.
The former health secretary said: “The postponement of an event at the British Museum as part of the First Jewish Culture Month is completely unacceptable.
“So-called activists are trying to rewrite history and target Jews. It is now up to all of us to step back against anti-Semitic racism.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was “extremely regrettable” that individuals were trying to disrupt the event. The statement said: “Jewish Culture Month has seen many of Britain’s great cultural institutions partner with us to celebrate British Jewish culture, community and creativity, and we will not let the actions of extremists stop the British public from enjoying these events.
“We will work with our partners at the British Museum to reschedule this event as soon as possible.”
