Two bomb scares in one day: UK police handle US embassy package, Gatwick Airport chaos

A day of heightened security unfolded in the UK as police responded to two separate bomb threats at the United States embassy in London and Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal, triggering evacuations and investigations on November 22.

Authorities in London conducted a controlled explosion outside the US embassy after a suspicious package was discovered. Simultaneously, Gatwick Airport, located 30 miles south of the capital, was partially evacuated following the detection of a “suspected prohibited item” in a passenger’s luggage.

Controlled explosion outside US embassy

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers carried out a controlled explosion near the high-security US embassy in Nine Elms, south of the River Thames, after reports of a suspicious package. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the police clarified that the explosion was part of precautionary measures and assured residents and embassy staff that investigations were ongoing.

Cordons were established around the site, with nearby roads closed to manage the situation. A representative from the US embassy stated that local authorities were handling the matter with the utmost caution, adding that ensuring the safety of the embassy and its surroundings was their primary focus.

The incident, while resolved without casualties, underscored the persistent security challenges faced by high-profile international sites in the UK.

Bomb disposal unit deployed at Gatwick Airport

In a separate incident earlier the same day, Sussex Police were called to Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal after a prohibited item was detected in a passenger’s luggage during security checks. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was dispatched to the airport, prompting the evacuation of large sections of the terminal.

Airport authorities confirmed via X that passengers were temporarily barred from entering the South Terminal as investigations proceeded. Officials emphasised that the safety of passengers and staff remained their top priority and that efforts were underway to resolve the situation swiftly.

Sussex Police later clarified that no explosive device was found, but the incident highlighted the robust security protocols in place to handle such threats. Gatwick Airport, a major international travel hub, resumed operations later in the day with minimal disruption reported.

Heightened vigilance across critical locations

These two incidents reflect the ongoing need for vigilance at critical locations like embassies and airports. Security experts note that the rapid response by law enforcement highlights the importance of preparedness in mitigating potential threats.

While no connection between the two incidents has been established, both underscore the heightened state of alert necessary to safeguard public spaces, particularly in the face of growing global tensions.