Area around St Paul’s Cathedral evacuated over ‘suspect package’

A LARGE area around St Paul's Cathedral was this morning cordoned off as police carried out a controlled explosion.

Police were called to reports of a suspicious package early this morning and cordoned off the area to investigate.

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Workers in the City were removed and a large cordon was placed around the famous landmark.

Police remained on the scene for over an hour and roads were closed around the central London site.

A spokesman for City of London police said: "We were called at about 7.45am to St Paul's churchyard to reports of a suspicious package.

"Roads were closed off and we carried out a controlled explosion.

"The area is all deemed safe and has now reopened. We have no further details about the package."

Eyewitnesses took to Twitter after hearing the controlled explosion this morning.

Aamar Ahmad wrote on Twitter: "First time hearing London Police shouting at people to evacuate London St Paul's area.

"All roads blocked, police and ambulances everywhere!"

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Photos showed people milling around outside the cordon, with workers unable to get to their buildings.

A heavy police presence was in place as people made their way to work this morning.

Rush hour traffic was brought to a standstill as a large area was closed off.

Commenting on the alleged controlled explosion, Martin Taylor wrote: "Something went bang... #StPauls."

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Oliver Williams said: "Rushed away from St Pauls in London by police due to a suspect package near St. Pauls station. Police taping off large areas."

City of London police wrote on Twitter: "Roads around St Pauls are closed due to a suspect package.

"New Change & Queen Vic St junction with Cannon Street closed to traffic."

The roads have now been reopened after the incident, City of London police confirmed.

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