A MAJOR station was in lockdown this evening after a suspect package was discovered.

Armed police raced to Angel Underground Station in Islington, North London to investigate the security alert.

7 Emergency services at the scene of the suspect package in Islington, North London this evening Credit: Hayley Chamberlain

Witnesses described hearing "two loud bangs" as the bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from the busy tube station and urged passengers to "get back" following the security scare at 6.30pm.

Some commuters waiting on platforms were left "trapped" as they were stopped from leaving as cops investigated.

Businesses, bars and restaurants surrounding the station were placed on lockdown.

7 Police cars outside Angel Underground Station at shortly before 7pm Credit: @Taramikhael : Twitter

7 Firefighters and police officers raced to the scene in Upper Street Credit: Hayley Chamberlain

Actress Laura McKee, 26, who was inside the Crystal Maze experience, told The Sun Online: "We thought it was a joke until we looked outside and saw armed policemen patrolling outside with guns.

"We were told to move away from the windows.

"All the buildings on the street were on lockdown. It was scary."

Trains were diverted away from the tube stop after the mystery package was found in Upper Street.

7 Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from the busy tube station and urged 'get back' following the security scare shortly before 7pm

7 Dozens of buses were stacked up due to road closures following the discovery Credit: Hayley Chamberlain

The incident sparked traffic chaos as dozens of buses were stacked up due to road closures.

One witness told The Sun Online: "I was heading home from work and heard two loud bangs and armed police shouting at people to get back.

"Thankfully it appears they were only controlled explosions but it was worrying."

Another commuter, Hannah Slater, wrote: "Suspect package outside Angel station.

7 Businesses, bars and restaurants surrounding the station were placed on lockdown Credit: John Hall

7 Some commuters waiting on platforms were stopped from leaving as cops investigated Credit: John Hall

"Tried to exit station here but told to go to next stop, not letting anyone in or out #islington."

One passenger wrote: "Currently trapped at Angel Station.

"Don't know what's happening.

"Trains are not stopping. There's an incident outside."

It is known not what sparked the alert.

Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to reports of a suspect package at 6.30pm.

A force spokesman said: "We were dealing with a suspect package in Islington.

"A controlled explosion was carried out, and the incident was stood down at 7.34pm."

Most read in news Live Blog TRUMP ATTACKS Trump blasts 'bedbug' Pelosi and says teaching kids US is racist is ‘abuse’ GAME OF THRONES Who will replace RBG? Amy Coney Barrett, Barbara Lagoa & Trump's shortlist 'BRUTAL' Bodycam footage shows LAPD cop shoot protester in the groin at close range SETTING THE BARR DOJ considering pursuing charges against Portland officials over protests 'MINISTER MOLESTED ME' Baroness Bakewell reveals she was sexually assaulted by a minister SHOP FEAR Surge in supermarket demand fuels fears Covid second wave will spark panic buying

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.'