POLICE are investigating an incident at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster this morning after ‘white powder’ was found in a suspicious package.
Armed police closed off an area in the basement of the Palace of Westminster while the substance was examined early this afternoon.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Counter Terrorism officers were investigating the package, which was delivered to an office in the historic building.
The office remains closed and police are still on scene.
A House of Commons spokesperson confirmed an investigation was ongoing but the building was not in lockdown, nor were any security alerts displayed on the annunciators around the Palace of Westminster.
“The Police are currently investigating an incident on the Parliamentary Estate,” the spokesperson confirmed.
“While their investigation is ongoing, any questions should be directed to the Metropolitan Police press office.”
Armed police searching House of Commons terrace this afternoon. #Parliament #Westminster #HouseofCommons pic.twitter.com/ZJ2424S3VS
— Paul Christian (@Paul__Christian) February 13, 2018
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At approximately 1136hrs on Tuesday, 13 February, police were informed of a suspicious package that had been delivered to an office within the Palace of Westminster. Police are at the scene and dealing.
"The letter contained a white powder which is currently being assessed by specialists. The office remains closed at this time, but the rest of the Palace of Westminster is open.
"Detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have been informed and are investigating.”
The discovery comes just a day after Donald Trump Jr’s wife Vanessa was rushed to hospital in New York after opening a letter with white powder inside.
Mr Trump Jr tweeted later on Monday that his family was safe and branded the incident "disgusting".
He wrote: “Thankful that Vanessa & my children are safe and unharmed after the incredibly scary situation that occurred this morning.
“Truly disgusting that certain individuals choose to express their opposing views with such disturbing behaviour.”
