Whitehall and Downing Street evacuate hundreds after suspicious item spotted

By Samantha Allen

Published: October 18, 2022 | 11:55 AM GMT

According to reports, a suspicious package was discovered near Downing Street, prompting police to close Whitehall.

The Whitehall government buildings are being cleared, according to a government official. Hundred of people have been evacuated after reports of a suspicious package in Whitehall

Hundreds of individuals were observed congregating at Horse Guards Parade. People were seen gathered at Horse Guards Parade - police are also at the scene in London

A police official at the scene said that a road near the residence and office of Prime Minister Liz Truss is closed owing to reports of a suspicious package, which will be evaluated by expert investigators. A photo appeared to show Chancellor Jeremy Hunt being evacuated as government buildings were emptied

Whitehall, located between the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square, is home to a number of government offices, including the foreign ministry, Cabinet Office, and Ministry of Defence.

MPS Westminster stated in a tweet that police were alerted about a suspicious parcel in #Whitehall at 11:42 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18.

“Officers are present and a cordon has been established as a precaution. Police were called at 11.42am on Tuesday and have put a cordon in place as a precaution

The item will be evaluated by trained police.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.