'Embassy drone threat' closes Kensington Gardens
Baku, April 17, AZERTAC
Police are "assessing a number of discarded items" in London's Kensington Gardens after a video was shared online in which a group claimed to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel with drones carrying dangerous substances, according to BBC.
The Metropolitan Police said the embassy had not been attacked and officers were investigating the source and authenticity of the footage.
A large number of police officers have been seen at the park from behind a cordon and the park is to remain closed throughout Friday.
The embassy confirmed the site was not attacked and staff were safe, while the Met said it does "not believe there to be any increased public safety risk at this stage".
A Met Police chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team has been seen near the park's bandstand and police divers have been spotted near the Round Pond ornamental lake.
Earlier, London Fire Brigade's fire investigation dogs arrived at the scene as well as the London Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team.
Met Police deputy commissioner Matt Jukes said: "Counter-terrorism policing London are aware of a video shared online overnight in which a group claim to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel...we're carrying out urgent inquiries to determine the authenticity of the video and to identify any potential link between it and the items discarded in Kensington Gardens."
The force urged people to avoid the area while investigations are carried out.
Jeffrey, a local resident, 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 nice time... having the park closed has an effect on people and we don't know when it'll reopen," he said.
However, police are not currently linking this incident to any other attacks.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp called on the government to set out what steps are being taken to protect the embassy.
"The relentless intimidation of the Jewish community and attacks on Jewish institutions have absolutely no place in this country," he said.
A spokesperson for the embassy said: "A suspected security incident is being investigated in the park adjacent to the Embassy of Israel in London.
"We wish to clarify that all embassy staff are safe and that the embassy was not attacked.
"As always we remain in close and continuous contact with the local authorities."
Kensington Palace, where the Prince and Princess of Wales used to have their main home, is located on the western edge of Kensington Gardens.
Staff from the royal couple's household based at the historic site are still at work there.
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