The Metropolitan Police have launched a detailed investigation after discovering a series of discarded items in Kensington Gardens, located in central London near the Israeli embassy. Authorities are urgently assessing whether these items are connected to a threatening video posted online by an Iran-linked Islamist group, which claimed an attack was imminent.
Security Incident in Kensington Gardens
Police officers were deployed to the area on Friday, April 17, 2026, following reports of suspicious materials. A statement from the Metropolitan Police confirmed that detectives are examining "a number of discarded items" and have cordoned off the park, urging the public to avoid the vicinity while inquiries continue. The embassy itself has not been attacked, and all staff members are confirmed to be safe, according to an official embassy release.
Video Threat from Iran-Linked Group
The investigation centres on a video that appears to have been shared by the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. This footage displays a target superimposed over an image of the Israeli embassy, alongside individuals dressed in hazmat suits operating drones. Police are working to verify the authenticity of this video and determine any potential links to the items found in Kensington Gardens.
This development follows recent claims by the same group of responsibility for three arson attacks in north London. In the latest incident, a teenage boy and two men were arrested after an attack at the offices of a Persian media organisation in Wembley. However, police have stated that they are not currently linking this attack to other recent incidents, including an attempted arson at a synagogue in Finchley and the torching of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green last month.
Emergency Response and Expert Analysis
At the scene in Kensington Gardens, a van belonging to the Metropolitan Police’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team was stationed near the bandstand, approximately 500 metres from the embassy. Additional support was provided by a fire investigation unit from the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team.
According to terror group monitor Site Intelligence, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia has posted videos on Telegram regarding the UK incidents, claiming other attacks across Europe since the outbreak of war in Iran. Julian Lanches from the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism described the group as "unusual," noting that analysis shows it had "no known references, neither online nor offline" before March 9. This sudden appearance raises considerable doubts about whether it is a genuine, serious terror group with established structures.
Political Reactions and Public Safety
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp has called on the Government to outline the steps being taken to protect the embassy, emphasising that "the relentless intimidation of the Jewish community and attacks on Jewish institutions have absolutely no place in this country." Meanwhile, a Met spokesperson reassured the public that there is no increased safety risk at this stage, but reiterated the advice to avoid the area while police work continues.
The situation remains under active investigation, with authorities focusing on ensuring public safety and preventing any potential threats linked to the discarded items and the online video.
