A busy shopping district in central London was evacuated after a suspicious vehicle was discovered, prompting bomb disposal teams to carry out controlled explosions. The precautionary detonations took place around Regent Street, which was cordoned off by the police as a safety measure. The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that the explosions were a precaution, and the vehicle in question was found to be non-suspicious. The situation was resolved by 2:30 pm, with authorities declaring the incident “fully stood down.”
Counter-terrorism sources indicated that the incident was not related to terrorism. Police had earlier announced road closures near Regent Street and New Burlington Street as they investigated the vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing large crowds of shoppers fleeing the area, with videos and photos capturing the heavy police presence and emergency services. Some people also described hearing a loud “boom” from the explosions.
Regent Street, one of London’s most famous streets, is home to high-end retailers such as Apple, Microsoft, Burberry, and the iconic Hamleys toy store. The street also features the historic Regent Street Cinema, known as the “birthplace of British cinema.” During the evacuation, both pedestrians and vehicles were restricted from entering the area, which is a major hub for shopping, entertainment, and tourism in the city.
