Police are investigating Kensington Gardens in London after a video appeared online on Apr. 17 in which a group claimed to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel with drones carrying dangerous substances.
The incident has led authorities to close the park throughout Friday as officers assess discarded items found at the scene. The Metropolitan Police said there is no evidence that the embassy was attacked and staff remain safe, adding that there is “not believe there to be any increased public safety risk at this stage.”
A chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team from the Met Police was seen near the park’s bandstand, while police divers were spotted by Round Pond ornamental lake. The London Fire Brigade’s fire investigation dogs and the London Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team also attended.
Met Police deputy commissioner Matt Jukes said: “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…we’re carrying out urgent inquiries to determine the authenticity of the video and to identify any potential link between it and the items discarded in Kensington Gardens.” Authorities urged people to avoid Kensington Gardens while investigations continue.
A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy stated: “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 local authorities.” Local resident Jeffrey told BBC News he was concerned “because we don’t know what it is,” adding: “This is a place where people come to relax and have a nice time… having the park closed has an effect on people and we don’t know when it’ll reopen.”
Social media footage reportedly posted by Iran-linked Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia showed individuals dressed in hazmat suits flying drones over an image of their target near Kensington Gardens. The same group has posted videos claiming responsibility for other incidents across London, including arson attacks on Jewish ambulances, an attempted arson attack on a synagogue, and another targeting a Persian media company; however, police say they are not currently linking these events with this latest incident.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp called for government action saying: “The relentless intimidation of the Jewish community and attacks on Jewish institutions have absolutely no place in this country.” Staff from Kensington Palace remain at work despite its proximity on Kensington Garden’s western edge.
