Regent Street evacuated and controlled explosions carried out over ‘bomb threat’

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 at around 1pm after a car was left near the world famous Hamley’s toy shop.

Several controlled explosions were carried out in the area as a precaution.

A black Audi A4 with its windows smashed and boot crumpled was taped off on nearby New Burlington Street.

Witnesses told Metro there was one loud explosion, followed by two smaller ones. 

Abdul, who works at Church’s on Regent Street, told Metro: ‘There was one very, very loud explosion. The ground was literally shaking. 

‘People were running back, then there were two smaller explosions.’

The cordon was extended to cover Savile Row, Conduit Street, Beak Street and Burlington Street with buses being diverted.

Stores including Hamleys and Levi’s reopened their doors at around 2.45pm. 

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 Met 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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