Kensington Gardens reopens after police swarm over suspicious 'substances'

Kensington Gardens reopens after police swarm over suspicious 'substances'The Met says Kensington Gardens has been reopened after reports of a 'powdered substance' near the Israel EmbassyCommentsNewsOlivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network21:13, 18 Apr 2026Updated 21:24, 18 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesPolice locked down the area(Image: Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)The lockdown of one of the UK's Royal Parks is now over as police say the area has been cleared with 'no risk to the public'. On Friday, officers swarmed Kensington Gardens over reports of a suspicious substance near the Embassy of Israel.‌The Met Police said it was called following the "discovery of several suspicious items" including two jars "containing a powdered substance" yesterday morning (April 17).‌Residents were urged to avoid the sprawling gardens while a major investigation was underway relating to an online video "featuring a group who claimed to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel with drones carrying dangerous substances".‌The force said the drones appeared to carry "radioactive and dangerous carcinogenic material".View 4 ImagesPolice swarmed the park on Friday(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)Armed cops, counter terrorism and specialist officers wearing protective clothing were seen combing the area, as were divers from the underwater search team who were spotted by the Round Pond ornamental lake.‌The London Fire Brigade also brought its fire investigation dogs to assist with the scene, with the animals specially trained to detect traces of chemicals or accelerants such as petrol or lighter fluid.Meanwhile, a huge police cordon and signs hugged the border of the park, which read: "PARK CLOSED Hazardous conditions - do not enter".View 4 ImagesSigns around the park said it was closed(Image: AFP via Getty Images)‌In an update on Saturday evening (April 18), the force says the substances have been de...