Police in central London carried out a series of controlled explosions Wednesday (January 8) after a suspicious vehicle prompted the evacuation of Regent Street, one of Britain’s busiest shopping areas.
The Metropolitan Police said the explosions were a precautionary measure, and the incident was later declared non-suspicious. A statement confirmed the vehicle that caused alarm was parked and harmless, and the situation was “fully stood down” shortly after 2:30 p.m.
Counter-terrorism sources indicated there was no initial evidence suggesting the incident was terror-related.
“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,” police said earlier on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
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.
— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) January 8, 2025
We will post any further updates on this thread.
Social media footage showed police cordoning off the area, redirecting pedestrians, and securing the scene. Witnesses reported hearing a loud “boom” during the controlled detonations, CNBC TV-18 reported.
The Metropolitan Police later assured the public the incident had been resolved, stating that “the vehicle was found to be non-suspicious”.
Regent Street’s significance
Regent Street is not only famous as a shopping destination but also as a cultural landmark. It has appeared in numerous television programs and films.
The street is home to flagship stores for global brands such as Apple, Burberry, and Hamleys, the iconic toy shop that draws both tourists and locals. Further along is the historic Regent Street Cinema, often referred to as the “birthplace of British cinema.” This cinema opened in 1848 and showcased the UK’s first motion picture.
This month, Regent Street and the surrounding area are particularly busy as crowds flock to the area for the post-Christmas January sales.