Arabic version: الشرطة تؤكد أن العناصر غير الخطرة وجدت بالقرب من السفارة الإسرائيلية
Suspicious items found near the Israeli embassy in London were “non-hazardous”, the Metropolitan Police said. Specialist emergency services units were deployed to Kensington Gardens to respond to the incident, where two jars containing a powdered substance were found.
According to BBC News, counter-terrorism officers are continuing to investigate a video posted to social media on Friday claiming the embassy was going to be attacked with drones carrying “dangerous substances”. The embassy confirmed it had not been attacked and its staff were safe.
The park was closed by police throughout the course of the day while specialist officers responded to the incident to assess the items but reopened on Saturday. The social media video appeared to have been posted by the Iran-linked Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which has also posted videos on social media about several other incidents in London.
Cdr Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public. We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken”. The police response included a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team, as well as support from the London Fire Brigade and ambulance services.
