Kensington Gardens in London has reopened after police deemed suspicious items, including two jars containing a powdered substance, to be non-hazardous. The discovery prompted a police response following a video shared online in which a group claimed to have targeted the nearby Israeli embassy with drones carrying 'dangerous substances'.
The video, reportedly posted by the Iran-linked Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, depicted a target over an image of the Israeli embassy and individuals in hazmat suits flying drones. The Metropolitan Police assessed the items found and confirmed no harmful or hazardous substances were identified.
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: 'We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public. We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken.' She added that inquiries remain ongoing to determine any link between the items and the online video.
Police divers from the Met's underwater and confined space search team attended near the bandstand in Kensington Gardens, and dogs from the London fire brigade also assisted. The Israeli embassy was not attacked, and police continue to work closely with the embassy to ensure security.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, suspected of being Iran-backed, has previously claimed responsibility for arson attacks in north London.
