BBC Lockdown: "Controlled explosions" outside broadcaster's headquarters as police investigate "suspect packages"
Pictures shared on social media show a bomb disposal robot on the scene, with witnesses described hearing "two loud bangs"
Police have carried out "controlled explosions" outside the BBC's Broadcasting House on Monday afternoon, after bomb squad officers were called in following a bomb threat. A police bomb robot was photographed heading towards an orange van outside the BBC offices on Portland Place, while witnesses described hearing loud bangs.
The corporation's staff were told to stay clear of the windows as the operation took place in the Marylebone area of the capital. BBC staff members have also reported sniffer dogs being sent to the scene while multiple streets in the vicinity have been closed off. The BBC buildings are currently on lockdown with staff being stuck inside as well as outside of the building.