Police carried out a controlled explosion on two suitcases at a bus stop in Golders Green, North London, after receiving reports of potentially suspicious packages. The items were later confirmed as non-suspicious, and enquiries are ongoing.
Incident timeline and police response
Officers from the Met's Community Protection Team were called at 16:56hrs on Thursday, 20 August, to reports of packages left at a bus stop on Golders Green Road at the junction with Golders Manor Drive, NW11. Specialist officers, including Met explosives officers, responded to the incident and carried out a controlled explosion on the items.
The area was cordoned off by police, aided by the London Fire Brigade, as a precaution while the explosion was carried out. The cordon remained in place until the operation was completed.
Items confirmed non-suspicious
Following the controlled explosion, the items were deemed as "non-suspicious" by the authorities. A Met Police spokesperson said: "Officers carried out a controlled explosion following reports of potentially suspicious packages in Golders Green."
The spokesperson added: "Specialist officers responded to the incident, including Met explosives officers, and carried out a controlled explosion on the item. Officers, aided by the London Fire Brigade, cordoned off the area as a precaution while the explosion was carried out."
Enquiries continue and public appeal
The items have been confirmed as non-suspicious, and enquiries continue. Police have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting CAD5492/20AUG.
