‘Embassy drone threat’ closes Kensington Gardens
Police are investigating whether items found near the Israeli embassy in central London are linked to a video posted on social media claiming the building would be targeted by drones carrying hazardous materials.
The Metropolitan Police said the embassy was not attacked and officers were trying to verify the source and authenticity of the footage.
A large number of police were stationed in the park and could be seen from behind the cordon.
While the embassy confirmed the facility had not been attacked and staff were safe, the Met said it “does not believe there will be any increased risk to public safety at this stage”.
Expert forensic teams continue their investigations [PA Media]
A cordon was put in place around the site on Friday morning and the park was expected to remain closed throughout the day.
The Met Police’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team were seen near the park’s stage and police divers were seen near the Round Pond ornamental lake.
London Fire Brigade’s fire investigation dogs were sent to the scene, as well as the London Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team.
[BBC]
Met Police assistant commissioner Matt Jukes said: “London counter-terrorism police are aware of a video shared online overnight in which a group claims to have targeted the nearby Israeli Embassy… we are carrying out urgent investigations to establish the authenticity of the video and to identify any possible link between the video and items thrown into Kensington Gardens.”
Police urged citizens to stay away from the area while investigations continued.
Local resident Jeffrey told BBC News he was concerned because “we don’t know what it is”.
“This is a place where people come to relax and have a good time… The park being closed has an impact on people and we don’t know when it will open,” he said.
Royal Parks says Kensington Gardens will remain closed on Friday [Reuters]
A video posted on social media, apparently published by the Iran-linked Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, showed a target above a picture of the Israeli embassy before people flying in drones dressed in hazmat suits appeared.
The group also posted videos on social media of several other incidents, including the arson attack in London. Four Jewish ambulances in Golders Green, ONE An attempted arson attack was made on a synagogue in Finchley and a An attempted arson attack was made on an Iranian media company in Park Royal.
However, police are not currently linking this incident to any other attacks.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called on the government to determine what steps were being taken to protect the embassy.
“Relentless intimidation of the Jewish community and attacks against Jewish institutions have absolutely no place in this country,” he said.
An embassy spokesman said: “A suspicious security incident in the park adjacent to the Israeli Embassy in London is being investigated.
“We would like to clarify that all embassy staff are safe and the embassy was not attacked.
“As always, we remain in close and ongoing contact with local authorities.”
Kensington Palace, home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is located at the western end of Kensington Gardens.
Staff at the royal couple’s home in the historic district still work there.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London sounds and follow BBC London Facebook, X And instagram. Send your story ideas to: hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
