Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of Kensington Gardens while law enforcement looks into a video involving “drones carrying radioactive materials.” The well-known park, situated near Kensington Palace and Hyde Park, was shut down to visitors by The Royal Parks on Friday morning.
The Metropolitan Police revealed they were evaluating several abandoned items following assertions from a group that purportedly targeted the Israeli embassy with two drones carrying “radioactive and dangerous carcinogenic material.” Witnesses observed a forensic team near the park’s bandstand in the center.
Subsequently, a police van was sighted outside the Israeli embassy as counter-terrorism authorities continued examining the items discovered in Kensington Gardens. Enhanced security measures, including armed police patrols, were implemented in the vicinity.
Specialized fire investigation dogs from the London Fire Brigade arrived on the scene earlier to detect any chemical traces. The area has been cordoned off to facilitate the ongoing investigation regarding the potential targeting of the Israeli embassy by drones carrying hazardous substances.
Forensic officers and investigators were captured in aerial images gathered around the park’s green space. The Metropolitan Police’s divers from the underwater search team have also arrived at the location. The entire Kensington Gardens remains closed as the authorities ascertain the connection between the discarded items and the purported attack plans on the embassy.
A mobile unit from the Metropolitan Police’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear team was observed near the park’s bandstand, close to the Israeli embassy. The police are meticulously collecting samples for chemical and forensic analyses. Notices at the park’s entrances indicate hazardous conditions, barring entry to the public.
Furthermore, a red Met police van belonging to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection group was spotted in the park. Security personnel in the area mentioned being on high alert due to the proximity of the embassy and recent geopolitical tensions.
The investigation continues at the scene with various law enforcement units present, including forensic teams and police search and recovery personnel. The Metropolitan Police emphasized that while the Israeli embassy was not attacked, they are actively verifying the credibility of the video and the items discovered at the site.