LONDON (AP) 鈥 The U.S. Embassy in London returned to normal operations Friday afternoon after police carried out the controlled explosion of a suspicious package that was found in the area earlier in the day.
London Metropolitan police later said it was a "hoax device.''
鈥淎n investigation will now follow,'' police said in a statement. 鈥漇ome cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down.鈥
The embassy said it had returned to normal business operations, although all public appointments were canceled for the day.
鈥淟ocal authorities investigated and cleared a suspicious package outside the Embassy,'' the embassy said. 鈥漈hanks to for your swift action, and thanks to all visitors for your cooperation and patience at this time.''
Also Friday, authorities evacuated while they investigated a suspicious item found in luggage. Sussex Police said they had sent an ordnance disposal team to the airport as a precaution.
