Kensington Gardens Reopens Following Police Investigation of Suspicious Items
Kensington Gardens in London has officially reopened to the public after a thorough police investigation determined that several suspicious items discovered in the area were non-hazardous. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the findings on Saturday, concluding their assessment of materials that included two jars containing a powdered substance.
Counter-Terrorism Response to Online Threat
Officers in protective clothing were deployed to the vicinity of the Israeli embassy on Friday after counter-terrorism police investigated a disturbing video circulating online. The video, reportedly posted by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, an Iran-linked Islamist group, featured individuals in hazmat suits operating drones and claimed to have targeted the Israeli embassy with "dangerous substances".
The footage depicted a target superimposed over an image of the Israeli embassy, prompting immediate police action. According to the PA news agency, the group has been suspected of involvement in other arson attacks in north London and is believed to have connections to Iran.
Police Assessment and Public Reassurance
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London addressed public concerns, stating: "We recognize 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 further emphasized that while the items were assessed as non-hazardous, investigations continue into potential links with the online video. "This work is being carried out by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London and our inquiries remain ongoing," Flanagan added.
Comprehensive Security Operations
The police response involved multiple specialized units:
- Divers from the Metropolitan Police's underwater and confined space search team conducted operations near the bandstand in Kensington Gardens
- Search dogs from the London Fire Brigade were deployed to assist in the investigation
- Enhanced security coordination with the Israeli embassy's security team
The Round Pond ornamental lake, situated just north of the bandstand and east of Kensington Palace, was part of the area under scrutiny during the investigation.
Ongoing Security Measures
Despite the all-clear given for the discovered items, security remains heightened around diplomatic sites. Commander Flanagan confirmed: "While the embassy of Israel was not attacked, we continue to work closely with the embassy and its security team to keep the site safe and secure."
The incident highlights the ongoing vigilance required in London's public spaces and around diplomatic installations, particularly given the group's history of claimed attacks in the capital.
