The British Museum has been evacuated amid a "security concern" after a suspicious vehicle was spotted outside the London attraction.

Families enjoying a day out at the start of the school holidays were reportedly thrown into panic when they were suddenly asked to leave.

The popular attraction said on Twitter: “The Museum is evacuated temporarily due to a security concern nearby. We apologise and will update when we can.”

Several people took to social media to describe the disruption, with one person tweeting: “I’ve just been in a British Museum evacuation and it was total chaos."

“Russell Square closed and controlled explosion has taken place. Trying to get to hotel for wedding reception,” another person tweeted.

One said: “Suspicious package in Russell Square. Roads and park cordoned off. Our offices evacuated.”

The museum has now reopened and confirmed the closure was down to a security scare.