Trafalgar Square was evacuated by armed police today after they were called to reports of a 'suspicious item'.

The tourist landmark in Central London was cordoned off this afternoon while the nearby Charing Cross Tube station was also closed.

One photograph appeared to show a man being led away by police. Officers said the incident was not being treated as terrorist related and there were no injuries.

Trafalgar Square in Central London was evacuated by armed police this afternoon

The cordon was later lifted and the station reopened after officers were stood down.

Police were already on heightened alert today as millions of people vote in the General Election between 7am and 10pm across the country.

The incident also comes five days after three attackers killed eight people by driving a van at pedestrians and then stabbing people in London Bridge on Saturday night.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Specialist officers are in attendance and cordons are in place. As a precaution Charing Cross train station has been closed.'

One photograph taken at the scene today appeared to show a man being led away by police

Later, its Twitter account added: 'Police called to reports of a suspicious item in Charing Cross. Not being treated as terrorist related at this time. No injuries.'

And a further tweet said: 'The incident in Charing Cross has now been stood down. Cordons will be lifted shortly.'

Earlier, Transport for London tweeted: 'Charing Cross Road is closed northbound between Trafalgar Square and Cranbourn Street due to a police incident.'

And the TfL Bus Alerts account added: 'Routes 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 24, 29, 91, 139, 176 are subject to diversion and delays due to a police incident at Charing Cross Road WC2.'