Evacuation in central London as police swarm on suspicious car at St Paul's
AN EVACUATION took place in central London this morning after a suspicious car was discovered near St Paul's Cathedral.
Police evacuate St Pauls as sniffer dogs and emergency services rush to scene
Witnesses reported the vehicle, which had "wires inside", had been cordoned off by police,
Cheapside and Bread Street were both sealed off, with sniffer dogs and "specialist units" sent to the scene.
The One New Change shopping centre was also evacuated and shoppers were moved away from the area.
People also evacuated nearby office buildings aspolice investigate the incident, while some workers and pedestrians were instead told to stay inside buildings.
Police at the scene of the suspicious car near St Paul's in central London
Photos taken at the scene show eerily empty streets and a large emergency services presence.
One witness Tweeted: "On lockdown at #cheapside...currently inside H&M with the doors locked. Anyone know why??"
A police sniffer dog at the scene of the suspicious vehicle in St Paul's
Another said: "Suspect package on Cheapside, the whole road is closed off."
A third Tweeted: "Just walked out of our hotel to everything on lockdown #scary #stpaul"
Investigators at the scene in central London this morning
Police cordon off roads around St Pauls as sniffer dogs inspect area
The area was made safe a short while later.
A City of London Police spokesman said: "We have dealt with the incident and the area is now safe. Roads have been re-opened. Thank you for your patience."