The Glades shopping centre in Bromley, south east London, was evacuated on Saturday evening following reports of a suspicious package. Police arrived at the scene shortly before 6pm, forcing shoppers to leave the High Street complex.
Scotland Yard confirmed that the evacuation was carried out while officers investigated the suspicious item. Social media images showed police cars parked outside the building and large crowds gathered nearby.
Shoppers took to social media to describe the incident. Michelle Greenaway praised staff from a perfume store for looking after her and her baby after they were evacuated without coats or blankets. Another user noted a significant police presence at the scene.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman stated that officers were 'stood down' just before 7.30pm, indicating that the package was deemed not to be a threat. The cause of the alert has not been disclosed.
