Kensington Gardens Closed as Police Investigate Drone Attack Claims Near Israeli Embassy
Kensington Gardens in central London has been shut to the public as police investigate suspicious items found near the Israeli embassy following an online video in which a group have claimed to be targeting the embassy in a drone attack.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed in a statement that officers are “assessing a number of discarded items” in the park, which is close to the embassy. Specialist teams, including chemical and hazardous response units, have been deployed while the area remains cordoned off.
The investigation was triggered after footage circulated online appearing to show a group claiming it had targeted the embassy using drones carrying dangerous substances. Authorities are now working to verify the video and determine whether it is linked to the items discovered in the park.
Police stressed that the embassy itself was not hit. “While we can confirm that the Embassy has not been attacked, we are carrying out urgent enquiries to determine the authenticity of the video and to identify any potential link between it and the items discarded in Kensington Gardens,” a spokesperson said.
Despite the heavy response, officials have sought to reassure the public. “We do not believe there to be any increased public safety risk at this stage, but we would urge people to avoid the area while officers carry out their work.”
The Israeli embassy has also confirmed that its staff were unharmed, saying: “A suspected security incident is being investigated in the park adjacent to the Embassy of Israel in London. We wish to clarify that all Embassy staff are safe and that the Embassy was not attacked. As always we remain in close and continuous contact with the local authorities.”
Counter-terrorism police are involved in the inquiry, particularly given the nature of the claims in the video. The group behind the footage alleged it had deployed drones carrying hazardous materials, though there is no confirmation this actually happened.
The situation comes amid wider tensions and a series of recent incidents in north-west London, including multiple arson attacks that are still under investigation. Police say they are keeping an open mind about any possible links but have not classified those incidents as terrorism. Authorities have also warned about growing threats linked to the ongoing global instability, with senior officers highlighting an increase in complex national security cases.
For now, Kensington Gardens will stay closed while forensic work continues, with police focusing on establishing whether the online claims are credible or simply misinformation.
