A massive security operation unfolded at Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherd's Bush this afternoon, prompting a full-scale evacuation and sending waves of panic through one of London's busiest retail hubs.
Armed Metropolitan Police officers descended on the scene alongside a significant contingent of emergency service crews. The alarm was raised after security staff identified a potentially suspicious item within the complex, triggering immediate and decisive action.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as crowds of shoppers and retail staff were urgently ushered out of the building. The evacuation was carried out swiftly, with police cordoning off a large area surrounding the centre to ensure public safety.
One shaken shopper told our correspondent, "There was a sudden announcement over the tannoy telling everyone to leave immediately. People were looking around, not sure what was happening, but you could feel the anxiety rising. Seeing armed police everywhere was quite frightening."
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed significant disruptions to services in the area. Several bus routes were diverted away from the shopping centre to facilitate the emergency response, causing travel chaos for commuters during the busy afternoon period.
As the situation developed, a specialist Army bomb disposal unit was reportedly dispatched to the location to assess the item at the centre of the alert. The Metropolitan Police have urged the public to avoid the area while their enquiries continue.
A statement from the Met read: "Police were called to Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush, at approximately 1:35pm to reports of a suspicious item. The centre was evacuated as a precaution. Cordons are in place. Officers remain on scene."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security protocols in place at major public venues across the capital. The all-clear was given later in the afternoon, with the centre reopening after the item was deemed non-threatening.
