Whitehall put on lockdown as bomb squad investigate suspicious item

WHITEHALL was put into lockdown after a "suspect item" was found today.  Officers, including a bomb disposal unit, swooped to the scene to examine the item this afternoon.  A bomb defusal robot was also seen.  It was reported that the Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street is also on lockdown.  A witness later tweeted: "Whatever they are interested in it’s down a hole by the lights #London he’s gone to get dogs for another sniff".  However, despite the quick response, Met Police later tweeted: "Happy to update the item concerned has now been fully assessed and deemed non-suspicious.  "Roads will be reopened shortly.  "Thanks again for your patience and cooperation."  At the time, police said: "Temporary road closures in place around Whitehall whist suspect item assessed.  "Police attended at 1201hrs today. Specialist officers are now in attendance.  "Thank you for your patience."

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