Kensington Gardens cordoned off after 'Israeli Embassy targeted with dangerous substances'
April 17, 2026
Counter Terrorism Policing London say they are are aware of a video shared online overnight in which a group claim to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel
A significant security alert in central London led to the closure and evacuation of Kensington Gardens on Friday after a potential threat was made against the nearby Israeli Embassy. The Metropolitan Police established a wide cordon around the park as specialist officers, some in protective clothing, were deployed to investigate a number of discarded items found in the area. The public was urged to avoid the location throughout the day as extensive inquiries began.
The police response was initiated after a video circulated online overnight in which a group claimed to have targeted the Israeli Embassy with drones carrying dangerous substances. Counter Terrorism Policing London acknowledged awareness of the video and stated that urgent inquiries were underway to determine its authenticity and any potential connection to the items discovered in the gardens. The group that reportedly posted the video has been identified as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, an Iran-linked group that has previously claimed responsibility for other attacks in Europe.
Both the Metropolitan Police and the Israeli Embassy issued statements confirming that the embassy itself was not attacked and that all personnel were safe. The embassy clarified that a "suspected security incident" was being investigated in the adjacent park and that they remained in close contact with local authorities. Despite the alarming nature of the drone threat, which mentioned "radioactive and dangerous carcinogenic chemicals," police officials stated they did not believe there was an increased risk to public safety but advised caution.
The large-scale police operation involved multiple agencies, including a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear team, as well as divers from the Met's underwater search unit who were seen near the bandstand. The London Fire Brigade's fire investigation unit and the London Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team were also present at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported being asked to leave the park from around 9:45 a.m., with the full closure being enforced shortly thereafter as tactical command vans secured the area.
This incident is the latest in a series of security concerns involving Israeli and Jewish sites in the British capital. Investigators are now focused on meticulously assessing the items recovered from Kensington Gardens and analyzing the video threat to establish a credible link and identify the individuals responsible. The park remained closed for the rest of the day as authorities continued their methodical search and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the threat against the diplomatic mission.
Source: dailystar