Tate Modern cleared after security alert in London
Visitors and staff were evacuated from the Tate Modern on Wednesday afternoon after a suspicious package was discovered inside the popular South Bank gallery, triggering a significant emergency response.
Police were alerted shortly after 11:30am, with officers, paramedics and firefighters quickly arriving at the scene. Images circulating on social media showed emergency vehicles stationed around the Bankside area, while an explosive ordnance disposal unit was also seen approaching the museum.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that crews from Dowgate and Soho fire stations were dispatched to assist police with the incident. As a precaution, authorities established a cordon around the gallery, which extended to nearby areas including the Millennium Bridge.
A witness at the scene said the entire building had been cleared as officers worked to assess the situation.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the alert was treated seriously but was later deemed not to pose any danger to the public. “A suspicious package was reported, prompting the evacuation of Tate Modern and the establishment of a cordon, including the Millennium Bridge,” the force said. “The incident has now been stood down. Officers determined that the package did not present a threat. We will not be providing further details about the item.”
The cordon was subsequently lifted and normal activity in the area resumed. Authorities have not released further information about the nature of the package.
