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Central London on lockdown: 'Controlled explosion' on suspicious package as police cordon off area around Gherkin
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Central London on lockdown: 'Controlled explosion' on suspicious package as police cordon off area around Gherkin

POLICE in London have reportedly carried out a controlled explosion near the Gherkin building after cordoning off the area due to a 'suspicious package'.

In a statement on Twitter, City of London Police advised people to avoid the area, and for those in nearby buildings to follow workplace protocol.

“We’ve put cordons around St Mary Axe due to a report of a suspicious package (a box) in Bury St received at 8.56am (0856 GMT)," they wrote.

The Gherkin’s address is 30 St Mary Axe.

“We’d ask people to avoid the area while we deal with the incident, and for people in nearby buildings to follow their internal procedures.”

A number of people on lockdown nearby have taken to Twitter after witnessing a 'controlled explosion' being carried out on the object.

"Controlled explosion outside Gherkin a few mins ago. Whelp," wrote one.

Another said: "Bomb scare at gherkin, controlled explosion and I’m locked next door."