The British Museum has been evacuated amid a "security concern" after a suspicious vehicle was spotted outside the London attraction.
Families enjoying a day out at the start of the school holidays were reportedly thrown into panic when they were suddenly asked to leave.
The popular attraction said on Twitter: “The Museum is evacuated temporarily due to a security concern nearby. We apologise and will update when we can.”
Several people took to social media to describe the disruption, with one person tweeting: “I’ve just been in a British Museum evacuation and it was total chaos."
“Russell Square closed and controlled explosion has taken place. Trying to get to hotel for wedding reception,” another person tweeted.
One said: “Suspicious package in Russell Square. Roads and park cordoned off. Our offices evacuated.”
The museum has now reopened and confirmed the closure was down to a security scare.
The Metropolitian Police said the operation has now been stood down and that nothing was deemed suspicious.
