BBC in lockdown after van causes bomb alert

The BBC’S Broadcasting House headquarters was put in lockdown for three hours yesterday after a bomb scare caused by a suspicious vehicle.

A number of controlled explosions were carried out in the Portland Place area and a police robot approached the orange van.

Police later cut open the doors of the van, which was found to contain cardboard boxes and a motorbike.

A number of journalists tweeted about being “in lockdown” during the incident yesterday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Police would not confirm any explosions but said the incident was stood down about three hours after the initial 3.15pm call.