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Counter-terror police were deployed to the Houses of Parliament this morning after a package of white powder reportedly sent to Amber Rudd's office sparked a security alert.

A “heavy” presence of officers was reported near a Ministerial corridor early this afternoon.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed Counter Terror detectives were investigating the package, which was delivered to an office in the Palace of Westminster.

The office remains closed and police remain on the scene.

The Tory Home Secretary is currently in the United States.

(Image: AFP)

But her staff were "thrown into a panic" by the incident, they told the Sun.

The alert comes a day after Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Vanessa was taken to hospital after opening a letter containing harmless white powder.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: “Today the Metropolitan Police investigated a small package containing white powder on the Parliamentary Estate. The powder was found to be non-harmful.”

The Houses of Parliament was not placed on lockdown, there were no security alerts and the entrances to the estate remained open as normal.A House of Commons spokesperson said: “The Police are currently investigating an incident on the Parliamentary Estate."

No extra officers were visible at the main entrance at Carriage Gates.

(Image: London News Pictures Ltd) (Image: London News Pictures Ltd)

The Houses of Parliament was not placed on lockdown, there were no security alerts and the entrances to the estate remained open as normal.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At approximately 1136hrs on Tuesday, 13 February, police were informed of a suspicious package that had been delivered to an office within the Palace of Westminster. Police are at the scene and dealing.

"The letter contained a white powder which is currently being assessed by specialists. The office remains closed at this time, but the rest of the Palace of Westminster is open.

"Detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have been informed and are investigating."

(Image: London News Pictures Ltd)

An unnamed police officer in Speaker's Court in Parliament said: "We haven't been told much but a package has been left.



"Specialist officers have just arrived to examine it.

"It won't be anything to worry about."

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

Armed police were also spotted searching the House of Commons terrace, which overlooks the Thames.