Police have closed Kensington Gardens after in Islamist group claimed to have launched drones carrying “cancer-causing” and “radioactive” material towards the Israeli embassy.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which is linked to the Iranian regime, released a video showing two men in white hazmat-style suits releasing the drones yesterday evening towards the embassy.
In the video, as reported by Mail Online, it is claimed that the drones contain “radioactive and dangerous carcinogenic material”.
The same group has claimed responsibility for several recent arson attacks in London, including the burning of four Haztola ambulances in Golders Green last month, though no such connection has yet been established by police.
However, in the video, it says it has “moved to the second phase of operations”.
Officers in protective uniforms from the Metropolitan Police arrived before 9am this morning and confirmed that there is an "increased police presence” in the area, while investigators are looking through “a number of discarded items”.
The Met said: “There is an increased police presence in Kensington Gardens and officers are assessing a number of discarded items.
“As a precaution, some of the officers who have been deployed are wearing protective clothing. We recognise this may concern local residents and the wider 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.
“There are cordons in place and there is no public access to the gardens and the surrounding area.
“Counter Terrorism Policing London are aware of a video shared online overnight in which a group claim to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel with drones carrying dangerous substances.
“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.”
In a statement on social media, Kensington Gardens wrote:"Due to an ongoing police investigation, Kensington Gardens will be closed to the public today.
“We respectfully ask that people avoid the area until further notice. Thank you.”
A sign has also been put up on the gates of the park, which reads: “Hazardous conditions - do not enter.”
However, the embassy has downplayed the threat, 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.”
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