Science Museum on LOCKDOWN: Hundreds evacuated from London attraction after fire alert
HUNDREDS of people were evacuated from the Science Museum in London this afternoon.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the Science Museum in London
Three fire engines were called to the popular attraction in Kensington, which attracts millions of visitors every year, at around 4pm.
Around 400 people were evacuated from the museum as the London Fire Brigade (LFB) investigated the cause of the fire alert.
A spokesman said the museum was placed on lockdown as a "precaution" and would re-open "when it was safe to do so".
Pictures from the scene showed huge crowds gathered outside the museum, which was packed out with schoolchildren on half-term.
Twitter user Rob Swan wrote: "Just been evacuated from Science Museum London due to 'an incident' – no idea what's going on yet."
LFB said the museum's fire alarms were triggered by a burnt-out extractor motor.
The museum was placed on lockdown as a 'precaution', officials said
Earlier today the Hamleys toy shop on Regent Street was evacuated after a suspicious package was discovered.
Office worker Justin Powell tweeted: "We had to move away from the windows just in case there was a bomb."
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the evacuation was a "pre-caution" and that the package was deemed not dangerous.