London's iconic Gherkin placed on lockdown as bomb disposal police examine suspicious vehicle

London’s iconic Gherkin was placed on lockdown around noon on Tuesday following report of a suspicious vehicle. A bomb disposal team was sent to examine the parked car in London’s financial hub. It was deemed non-suspicious.

City of London Police have arrested the driver for possession of false documents. Images on social media show a bomb disposal robot approaching a grey car and opening its trunk.

Police cordoned off the area and advised commuters to find alternative routes. Transport for London (TfL) said Bishopsgate at the junction with Camomile Street was closed as officers investigated. 

A number of businesses in the area were put on lockdown.

A spokesman for City of London Police told the Evening Standard: “The City of London Police is currently in attendance in St Mary Axe following a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on the street. The incident was reported to us at 11.32am on Tuesday and officers are on scene awaiting the arrival of specialist units.”

Police confirm all road closures around St Mary Axe have now been lifted after being cordoned off following reports of the suspicious vehicle.