A major security alert has placed Whitehall in lockdown this afternoon as police investigate an abandoned vehicle near Downing Street, one of the UK’s most sensitive government sites.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a cordon is in place at the southern end of Whitehall as a precautionary measure while officers assess the unattended vehicle.

Civil Servants Confined Inside

Sources indicate that civil servants working inside Whitehall buildings have been told not to leave, while access to nearby offices has been suspended entirely.

A spokesperson for the Met Police stated:

“A cordon is in place at the southern end of Whitehall as a precautionary measure while officers investigate an abandoned vehicle in the vicinity of Downing Street.”

The nature of the vehicle and whether it poses a threat is currently unconfirmed, but the precautionary lockdown underscores the high alert status surrounding central government infrastructure.

Two Unrelated Incidents Near Downing Street

The lockdown follows an earlier road traffic collision near Downing Street, though police have confirmed the incidents are not connected.

Whitehall, a central hub for UK government departments including the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defence, is frequently patrolled and closely monitored. The proximity of this incident to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister, has elevated the response level.

Traffic and Public Disruption

Transport for London (TfL) has advised commuters to avoid the Whitehall area due to closures and diversions affecting bus and vehicle traffic.

Tourists and pedestrians were quickly moved away from the area, and armed officers remain stationed near the cordon as enquiries continue.

Awaiting Further Updates

This remains a developing story, and  UK News in Pictures will continue to provide updates as new details emerge from police sources and government officials.