MI6 was cordoned off after a suspicious package was found in the vicinity of the London security services building.

A large area around the Albert Embankment in south London, including Vauxhall Bridge, was shut off.

A Transport For London press officer, however, said all roads were reopened shortly before 3.15pm.

A Metropolitan Police service spokesman followed, by saying at around 4pm that the operation had been "stood down" because the package was non-suspicious.

A Met Police spokesman initially said: "Officers are on the scene of a suspicious package in Vauxhall.

"Local roads are closed in the area and we are not discussing anything further at this stage."