Gatwick Airport terminal evacuated just after controlled explosion outside US Embassy

Thousands of passengers stranded and train services suspended as explosive experts assess suspicious object

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Explosives experts are assessing a suspicious object found in luggage at Gatwick, hours after a “suspicious package” was found outside the US embassy.
The Metropolitan Police carried out a “controlled explosion” using robots in central London in a separate incident on Friday morning.
Hours later, Gatwick Airport announced it had closed part of its South Terminal, which is likely to leave thousands of passengers stranded.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20am on Friday following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with.
“As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport.
“This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible.”
Train services at the station have also been suspended. A spokesman for National Rail Enquiries said: “The police are dealing with an incident at Gatwick Airport.
“The station and airport are currently being evacuated.
“Services are able to run through the station and area but will not call at Gatwick airport at this time. Please avoid travelling to the station whilst this incident is ongoing. This is expected to continue until approximately 2pm.”
There is currently no suggestion the incidents are linked.
Nine Elms Lane was cordoned off while dozens of police and fire officers locked down the US embassy before a robotic device detonated the package.
Police said the package was found “near” the embassy before alarms were raised.
Police said they were conducting a sweep of the area with sniffer dogs, amid fears there could be another package.
It remains unclear what was found in the first package or whether it was detonated out of caution.
A spokesman for the Met said: “We’re aware of speculation online about an incident in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Nine Elms.
“Cordons are in place in the area as a precaution while officers investigate a suspect package.”
They later added: “We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.”
It is understood enquiries are still ongoing and cordons will remain in place for the time being.
The US embassy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the U.S. Embassy in London. Met Police are present and have closed Ponton Road out of an abundance of caution. We will provide further updates when available.”
This is a breaking news story and is being updated