London Park Reopens After Police Investigation Into Islamist Drone Threat Video
The Metropolitan Police have concluded their investigation and reopened Kensington Gardens after responding to a video posted online by an Islamist group claiming to have launched drones carrying hazardous materials toward the Israeli embassy. Specialist officers, including those from the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) team, were deployed to the scene wearing protective hazmat suits and gas masks as a precautionary measure.
Police Response and Public Safety Measures
Authorities blocked public access to the central London park early on Friday morning following the online video release. Officers assessed a number of discarded items found in the area, with divers from the Metropolitan Police underwater and confined space search team also arriving near the bandstand. The London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service hazardous area response team were present at the scene throughout the operation.
The force has confirmed there are no harmful or hazardous substances and no risk to the wider public. Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London stated: "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."
Video Claims and Group Background
The Iran-linked group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI) posted a video online claiming it had aimed two drones carrying "radioactive and dangerous carcinogenic material" toward the nearby Israeli embassy. The video showed two individuals dressed in white hazmat-style suits handling drones adorned with the group's logo, with footage appearing to have been filmed in a local park showing a drone taking off into the evening sky.
Although security sources considered the video "extremely amateurish," authorities took the claims seriously, believing they may represent a proxy "commissioned" by pro-Iranian regime groups. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the Israeli embassy has not been attacked but continues to investigate the authenticity of the video and any potential link to items found in the park.
Group's Previous Activities and Ongoing Investigation
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia has claimed responsibility for multiple incidents since the escalation of conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, including:
- An arson attack on ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity
- Attempted arson attacks at a synagogue in Finchley
- An attempted attack at an Iranian TV station in Wembley critical of the regime
In its latest video, the group announced it has "moved to the second phase of operations." Commander Flanagan added: "Although the items found have been assessed as being non-hazardous, we continue to investigate whether they may have any link to the online video. This work is being carried out by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London and our enquiries remain ongoing."
Public Vigilance and Security Cooperation
The Metropolitan Police continues to work closely with the Israeli Embassy and its security team to maintain site safety and security. The force has asked the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling 0800 789 321, reporting online, or dialing 999 in emergencies. Signs reading "Hazardous conditions - do not enter" that were posted during the investigation have been removed following the park's reopening to the public.
