Downing Street closed after ‘suspicious package’ found as Whitehall is locked down with hundreds evacuated

DOWNING Street has been locked down after fears of a suspicious package.

The Whitehall area had also been closed off entirely and hundreds were evacuated, it is understood.

A Met Police spokeswoman said: “Police were called at 11.42hrs on Tuesday, 18 October to reports of a suspicious package in #Whitehall.

“Officers are in attendance and a cordon is in place as a precaution.

“The item will be assessed by specialist officers. Please avoid the area.”

A later update confirmed the package was assessed and found to not be suspicious.

The area has been reopened.