Two controlled explosions heard at Westminster Abbey after suspicious vehicle found as sniffer dogs called in

TWO controlled explosions have been carried out this afternoon after a suspicious vehicle was found near Westminster Abbey.

Officers closed a number of streets in the area around Parliament Square as a bomb disposal robot was called in.

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Cops rushed to Parliament Square today after a suspicious vehicle was found this afternoon[/caption]

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People in buildings nearby were urged to evacuate, it’s understood. Two loud ‘bangs’ were also reportedly heard[/caption]

Members of the public were also being moved away from the Houses of Parliament, while Westminster and St James’s Tube stations closed.

The focus of the investigation was believed to be conference centre Queen Elizabeth II in Broad Sanctuary, with sniffer dogs at the scene.

Met Police this afternoon confirmed: “Two controlled explosions were carried out close to Westminster Abbey.”

The incident was stood down about 5pm, with the cordon lifted after almost an hour of drama.

Ben Riley-Smith, political editor of a national newspaper, said he’d heard two loud noises.

“Ongoing police operation around Parliament Square,” he said.

“Traffic closed off by police vehicles and tape.

“Two bangs heard in the last few minutes. Met says there’s a suspicious vehicle near Westminster Abbey.”

Met Police had previously said the incident involved “what is believed to be a suspicious vehicle”.

David Milliken of news agency Reuters tweeted: “Something going on near Westminster – streets cordoned off and people being moved away.

“Police on ground say there’s an ongoing incident, can’t disclose what.”

Another social media user said her husband had been evacuated from a conference in Westminster.

“Police and helicopters about,” she said.

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Streets around Parliament Square were closed[/caption]