A huge part of one of central London’s busiest shopping areas was evacuated this afternoon.
Shoppers, workers and residents were ordered to leave buildings around Regent Street after a car was left outside the world famous Hamley’s toy shop.
Several controlled explosions were carried out in the area as a precaution.
The cordon was extended to cover Savile Row, Conduit Street, Beak Street and Burlington Street with buses being diverted.
Witness Angus Hamill said that police ran into his office and ordered everyone to evacuate.
Footage from the scene shows people milling around at a police cordon, looking towards the parked car.
The Metropolitan Police said: ‘Road closures are in place in the vicinity of Regent Street and New Burlington Street while officers investigate a suspicious vehicle.
‘Officers have carried out a number of controlled explosions as a precautionary measure.’
In an update a short while later, the force added: ‘This incident has now been fully stood down.
‘The vehicle was found to be non-suspicious.’
Metro has contacted Hamleys for comment.
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