An item that triggered a bomb scare at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford was found to be ‘unsuspicious’ by police.
The Metropolitan Police were called at 10.15am today (May 8) after they were alerted to a possible suspicious item at Stratford Place.
The area was evacuated as a precaution while the item was assessed.
Images and video clips on social media showed visitors gathered outside the shopping centre after being asked to leave.
Police sniffer dogs were deployed to detect any potentially dangerous items.
Something going on in #Stratford. No one apart from #MarksAndSpencer staff allowed to #Westfield
— EyeMan (@DjEyeMan) May 8, 2024
What's going on? pic.twitter.com/eczW1axGME
The Met has now confirmed that the item was not suspicious and the incident was stood down at 11.25am.
A staff member at Westfield Stratford City told the Recorder that the evacuation was just precautionary and the venue is "back to normal" now.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here