Suspicious package outside Jeremy Corbyn's office sparks security alert
POLICE were called to Westminster this afternoon after a suspicious package was left near Jeremy Corbyn's office.
The security alert outside Jeremy Corbyn’s office caused traffic chaos
The item, believed to be a suitcase, was left outside the Norman Shaw Buildings in Westminster, where the Labour leader is based.
The security alert caused traffic delays in the area, with Victoria Embankment closed both ways between Horse Guards Avenue and Embankment station.
London is on heightened alert following a number of terror attacks across Germany, as well as the Islamic State massacre in Nice two weeks ago.
The threat of a terrorist attack in Britain has been set at "severe" by the Government since August 2014, meaning an attack is highly likely.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that authorities have disrupted seven plots to attack the UK in the previous 18 months.
A Metropolitan Police source told Express.co.uk: "The package was believed to be suspicious. The incident has now been stood down."
The left-winger replaced Ed Miliband as Labour leader last September
Embankment and outside Portcullis House in Westminster cordoned off by police "suspicious package" #Parliament pic.twitter.com/ajYuvM5C2z
— Angus Walker (@anguswalkertalk) July 25, 2016
Mr Corbyn, who was elected Labour leader last September, faces a fresh leadership election against Owen Smith in September.
He was mocked by some people responding to news of the alert on Twitter.
Steve Burrell tweeted: "Suspicious brown crumpled package found outside Jeremy Corbyn office. Probably just left his jacket draped over a chair."