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Metropolitan Police officers were called to Duchess Street in Marylebone, W1, close to New Broadcasting House, at around 3:15pm. Pictures shared on social media showed a bomb disposal robot heading towards an orange transit van outside the BBC offices. BBC staff reported hearing three loud blasts as the controlled explosions were carried out. Duchess Street, Portland Place and Hallam Street were closed to the public while officers placed the area on lockdown.

An internal email urged BBC staff to stay away from the office windows. Ruth Clegg, the BBC's disability news producer, tweeted: "Police have just carried out two controlled explosions outside BBC W1. "Suspect package. Hallam Street cordoned off. Staff told to keep away from windows." She added: "Eeeek, a third controlled explosion outside BBC NBH. While I'm outside watching the robots and sniffer dogs."

A bomb disposal robot outside the BBC offices

Thomas Mackintosh, a journalist at BBC London, wrote: "Suspicious vehicle outside BBC. Advisory email says move away from the windows. "Cops now trying to get into the van. Bomb robot chilling." Manuela Saragosa added: "We're still in lockdown at BBC New Broadcasting House. No-one allowed in or out of the building. "There've been two controlled explosions so far, a bomb robot is at work and all surrounding streets cordoned off. Want to go home!" And office worker Pam Leader said: "Stuck in my office on Hallam Street in central London, opposite the BBC building.

Police officers have placed a cordon around the scene