A swathe of the London Bridge area was evacuated as police investigated a security alert sparked by a suspicious vehicle.

Office workers were told to stay indoors and away from windows and the bus station and part of the train station were cleared of passengers after officers were called to a security alert in London Bridge street on Tuesday afternoon.

The road bridge was also closed to traffic and some buildings including a gym and a cocktail bar were evacuated.

A police disposal robot was deployed at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.

Photos posted on social media show police guarding several cordons.

Witnesses described seeing a swarm of emergency services vehicles descending on the area.

The incident was stood down at 3.30pm after the vehicle was found to be no suspicious, police said.

A woman, who was evacuated from a nearby gym, told the Standard: "The bus station just outside is closed - someone mentioned a suspicious vehicle but that was a bystander rather than a police officer.

"Looks like some of the office buildings may have been evacuated. The rail station is apparently open if you access via the escalator under the Shard.

"There are lots of police vehicles and at least two fire engines are onsite."

In a series of tweets, Elizabeth Argyll, a photographer who was caught up in the evacuation, said: "Police are clearing the area. Trains have been moved out of London Bridge station.

"It's now no longer calm. [Police] rushing people to get away. Only one exit so gridlock."

She later added: "They're extending the evacuation area."

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Journalist Anila Dhami tweeted: "#LondonBridge station evacuated. Loads of security services including police and fire. Large area cordoned off with more police arriving."

Lizzie Pook, a freelance journalist, was evacuated from cocktail bar London Grind.

She wrote: "Just been evacuated from #LondonGrind in #London bridge. Being shouted at a lot by police to hurry up across the bridge."

Paul Vanston wrote: "Best avoid area: Full security alert for #LondonBridge

"King William St sealed off to traffic. Bridge closed to pedestrians #Blackfriars open."

A Met Police spokesman said: “We were called to a security alert in London Bridge street at 1.40pm. The bus station and part of the rail station were evacuated as a precaution.

"The incident is was stood down at 3.30pm.”

British Transport Police wrote on Twitter: "Specialist officers from BTP are assisting @metpoliceuk investigate a security alert at London Bridge. Station is currently closed."