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The suspcious package was found near the French Embassy in central London, near the south side of Hyde Park. Members of the public have been urged to stand back after reports of a controlled explosion. A Met Police spokeswoman told Express.co.uk: "Police were called at 8:25am to a report of a suspicious package opposite the French Embassy, Knightsbridge, SW1.

London police have scrambled to Knightsbridge

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"Officers are on scene and will assess the item.

"Road closures are in place while emergency services deal."

BBC journalist Chiyo Robertson tweeted: "Suspect package has closed off south side of Hyde Park, just heard what sounded like controlled explosion. Public told to stand back."

Road closures are in place on A4 Knightsbridge both ways from A3216 Sloane Street (Scotch Corner) to Piccadilly Underpass (Hyde Park corner).

Picadilly Underpass was also closed off westbound.

Bus routes 9 14 19 22 52 74 137 and 414 were also diverted.

Eyewitnesses took to social media to report of the "total chaos" following the incident.

One posted on Twitter: "Suspect package Knightsbridge near french embassy, traffic gridlocked."

Another added: "Suspicious package found near Knightsbridge apparently. Giant cordoned area. And a heck of a lot of armed police."

A Twitter user added: "Suspect package in Knightsbridge, Hyde Park corner to Harvey Nic's closed off. Total chaos."