Police have closed Kensington Gardens in central London after officers discovered several discarded items and launched an investigation involving counter-terrorism units.
The Metropolitan Police said that cordons are in place across the Royal Park and that the public has been advised to stay away while specialist teams assess the scene.
A Met Police spokesman said: “As a precaution, some of the officers who have been deployed are wearing protective clothing. We recognise this may concern local residents and the wider public.
We do not believe there to be any increased public safety risk at this stage, but we would urge people to avoid the area while officers carry out their work.
Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London are leading enquiries following reports of a video circulating online, in which a group claims to have targeted the nearby Israeli Embassy with drones allegedly carrying hazardous substances.
Police confirmed that the embassy itself has not been attacked. An Israeli embassy spokesperson also said staff are safe and are in contact with authorities.
A Royal Parks spokesman said: “Due to an ongoing police investigation, Kensington Gardens will be closed to the public today.
“We respectfully ask that people avoid the area until further notice. Thank you.”
Eyewitnesses reported a significant emergency response, with officers in protective gear near the Round Pond and a forensic presence near the park’s bandstand. A London Fire Brigade fire investigation unit and a London Ambulance Service hazardous area response team were also deployed.
Counter-terrorism officers are now examining the authenticity of the online video, which appears to show individuals in hazmat suits operating drones aimed at a depiction of the Israeli Embassy. Officials are also assessing whether there is any link between the footage and the discarded items found in the park.
Police stressed that inquiries are ongoing and urged the public not to speculate while investigations continue.
They 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.”
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