The security alert at London’s Gatwick Airport after a suspicious object was found in luggage has ended, the airport said in a statement.
The incident, which caused much of its airport’s South Terminal to be evacuated, caused some delays and flight cancellations, the airport – Britain’s second busiest – said in a statement on social media platform X.
✅ The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for… pic.twitter.com/yNseHHBPmR
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) November 22, 2024
Suspicious hoax package at the US embassy neutralized
British police said today that a suspicious package left outside the US embassy in London that was detonated in a controlled explosion was a “hoax” device, according to their initial indications.
Police had earlier carried out a controlled explosion near the embassy building, a purpose-built 12-storey glass cube in Nine Elms, south London, and cordoned off some areas.
Later the operation of the embassy was restored.
“Initial indications are that the object was a hoax device,” London’s Metropolitan Police said. “An investigation will follow.”
“Some area closures will remain in place for the time being, but the majority of the police deployment will now cease.”
The embassy announced that its operations had been restored, but that all appointments scheduled for today with the public had been cancelled.
“Local authorities investigated and cleared a suspicious package outside the embassy,” its statement added.
The United States moved its embassy from Mayfair, central London, to Nine Elms in 2018, partly for security reasons.
This former industrial area is now home to dozens of luxury apartment buildings along with Battersea Power Station, a striking 1930s building with red brick and white chimneys that has been converted into a shopping and tourist hub.
RES/EMP
#London #alert #airport #embassy #suspicious #objects
What are the potential long-term consequences for international diplomacy when incidents like the suspicious package at the U.S. embassy erode trust and sow fear?
## World Today News: An Interview with Security Experts on Recent London Incidents
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today we delve into two recent security incidents in London, analyzing their implications on public safety, travel, and international diplomacy. We’re joined by two esteemed guests: Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert on airport security and counterterrorism, and Mr. James Reid, a former diplomat and specialist in international security threats.
**Section 1: Gatwick Airport Security Alert**
*(Addressing Dr. Carter)*
1. Doctor Carter, the Gatwick Airport incident caused significant disruption. What are your initial thoughts on how such a situation unfolds, and what security measures could be further implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future?
2. *(Addressing Mr. Reid)*
From an international perspective,
how might incidents like these impact air travel confidence and global tourism?
**Section 2: Suspicious Package at the US Embassy **
*(Addressing Mr. Reid)*
3. Mr. Reid, this incident occurred at a high-profile location, raising further concerns. What are the likely motivations for targeting diplomatic missions?
4. How does this incident, though deemed a hoax, reinforce the need for robust security measures around diplomatic institutions?
*(Addressing Dr. Carter)*
5. Both incidents involved suspicious objects. What commonalities and differences exist in the security protocols for airports versus embassy buildings?
**Section 3: Broader Implications**
6. *(Addressing both guests)*
In today’s world, marked by evolving security threats, what proactive
steps can governments and international organizations take to ensure public safety while maintaining open access to essential services and institutions?
7. What
role does public awareness and cooperation play in mitigating these kinds of threats?
8. How can media coverage of such incidents strike a balance between informing the public and avoiding unnecessary panic?
**Closing:**
Thank you, Dr. Carter and Mr. Reid, for your valuable insights on these significant events. We hope this discussion has provided our audience with a deeper understanding of the complex landscape of modern security challenges. Join us again for further analysis and discussion on world events.
