Central London streets evacuated for controlled explosions after suspicious vehicle alert

Controlled explosions were carried out in central London by British authorities after one of the UK's busiest shopping areas was evacuated after a suspicious vehicle was spotted.

Bomb disposal teams carried out the detonations after Regent Street and New Burlington Street in central London were both blocked off.

Local police say the explosions were carried out as a precautionary measure. They later said in a statement that the vehicle that sparked the alarm was found to be non-suspicious.

Images shared on social media showed a large police presence and shoppers running to evacuate the area.

Officers dealing with the incident have since been "fully stood down", according to local authorities.

Regent Street and the surrounding area are especially busy this month as people flood to the area because of post-Christmas January sales.

Members of the public were reportedly urged to move other parts of London during the police investigation. Local media report that the incident caused heavy traffic congestion in the area and public transport being diverted.