Kensington Gardens has been closed as police investigate whether “discarded items” found near the Israeli embassy are connected to a video posted by an Iran-linked Islamist group claiming it was going to be attacked.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were assessing “a number of discarded items” in the central London park, and urged people to avoid the area.
A video, which appears to have been shared by the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, shows a target over an image of the Israeli embassy and people dressed in hazmat suits flying drones.
Police insisted the embassy had not been attacked, but said detectives were carrying out inquiries to determine the authenticity of the video and to identify any potential link between it and the items.
“A suspected security incident is being investigated in the park adjacent to the Embassy of Israel in London,” the embassy said in a statement.
“We wish to clarify that all embassy staff are safe and that the embassy was not attacked.”
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Get in touch
12:31 , Megan HoweWere you at Kensington Gardens when it was evacuated? Get in touch.
Email megan.howe@standarddigital.co.uk
What do we know about the group claiming an alleged attack on the Israeli embassy?
15:10 , Megan HoweA video, which appears to have been shared by the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, shows a target over an image of the Israeli embassy and people dressed in hazmat suits flying drones.
It comes after Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia also claimed responsibility for three arson attacks in north London.
A teenage boy and two men were arrested after the latest attack at the offices of a Persian media organisation in Wembley.
The group emerged earlier this year following the Iran war, claiming responsibility for several low-intensity attacks across Europe.
The name of the group is derived from the Quranic term Ashab alYamin, meaning righteousness in the afterlife.
Divers from the Metropolitan Police underwater and confined space search team are at the scene.
They arrived in a large white lorry near the bandstand in Kensington Gardens as part of an ongoing police investigation.
A police search and recovery team have also been spotted at the scene.
Two officers in blue forensic suits were seen walking near the bandstand on Friday.
Earlier, the Met’s chemical biological radiological nuclear van (CBRN) arrived.
Police have been investigating whether the Israeli embassy in London has been targeted by drones carrying dangerous substances.
What do we know about Kensington Palace?
15:02 , Megan HoweKensington Palace, where the Prince and Princess of Wales used to have their main home, is located on the western edge of Kensington Gardens.
Staff from the royal couple’s household based at the historic site are still at work there.
The palace is just over 350 metres from the bandstand where a van belonging to the Metropolitan Police’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team has parked.
Dogs arrive at the scene
14:58 , Megan HoweLondon Fire Brigade’s fire investigation dogs have arrived at the scene in Kensington Gardens, central London.
The area has been cordoned off since Friday morning while Metropolitan Police officers investigate whether the Israeli embassy, which is situated nearby, has been targeted by drones carrying dangerous substances.
Earlier, divers and police search teams were spotted, along with several police officers.
The Round Pond ornamental lake is situated just north of the bandstand and to the east of Kensington Palace in the gardens.
Embassy staff are safe
14:50 , Megan HoweThe embassy confirmed the site was not attacked and staff were safe, while the Met said it does "not believe there to be any increased public safety risk at this stage".
A spokesperson for the embassy said: "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 the local authorities."
Police pictured at the scene
14:39 , Michael HowiePolice in hazmat suits have been photographed at the scene of the investigation in Kensington Gardens.
Police divers and forensic officers at the scene in Kensington
14:19 , Alastair LockhartDivers from the Metropolitan Police underwater and confined space search team have arrived in a large white lorry near the bandstand in Kensington Gardens as the investigation continues.
A police search and recovery team have also been spotted at the scene, as have officers in blue forensic suits.
Earlier, the Met’s chemical biological radiological nuclear van (CBRN) arrived.
Police have been investigating whether the Israeli embassy in London has been targeted by drones carrying dangerous substances.
Israeli embassy has not been targeted, police say
13:35 , Megan HowePolice have confirmed the Israeli embassy has not been attacked.
But officers are carrying out enquiries after video footage circulated online of a group claiming to have targeted the embassy with drones carrying dangerous substances.
They are working to determine the authenticity of the video.
Jewish community preparing for possibility of a chemical terror attack
12:58 , Megan HoweThe Jewish community in London has been preparing for the possibility of a chemical terror attack.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, has revealed that specialist equipment has been acquired to respond to such scenarios.
This includes kits designed to stem heavy bleeding as well as equipment to deal with potential chemical exposure.
Israel says antisemitism is “spreading like wildfire” in Britain.
Watch: Police statement in full
12:47 , Megan HoweBREAKING: Metropolitan Police officers in protective clothing are investigating an 'ongoing incident' in Kensington Gardens in Londonhttps://t.co/7RFMu6JysD
— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 17, 2026
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/STu3wvAp9P
Police pictured at the scene
12:44 , Megan HoweForensics team have been pictured at the scene in Kensington Gardens today which was evacuated due to an ongoing police incident
Officers have also been seen walking around the park wearing protective clothing, which The Met says is precautionary.
Police are investigating whether items found near the Israeli embassy are linked to a video which was posted online claiming it was going to be attacked.
What is security like around the Israeli embassy?
12:38 , Megan HoweIsrael's Embassy is situated in Kensington Palace Gardens.
It has tight security around the building, including armed police officers. There is also a checkpoint at the entrance to the road in south Kensington.
Kensington Palace Gardens is home to embassies, including Russia's, as well as the residences of the French and other ambassadors.
Some of London's wealthiest individuals also have properties in the tree-lined street.
Royal Parks confirms closure
12:23 , Megan HoweA spokesperson for the Royal Parks said: “Due to an ongoing police investigation, Kensington Gardens will be closed to the public today.
“We respectfully ask that people avoid the area until further notice. Thank you.”
Due to an ongoing police investigation, Kensington Gardens will be closed to the public today.
— The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) April 17, 2026
We respectfully ask that people avoid the area until further notice. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/ctfAiQpBED
Kensington Gardens closed due to police incident
12:10 , Megan HoweKensington Gardens has been closed to members of the public as police investigate a number of discarded items.
Officers are wearing protective clothing as a precaution following an evacuation of the site earlier this morning.
A section of the park has been cordoned off and there is no access to the gardens.
Police say they are aware of footage circulating on social media of a group claiming to have targeted the Israeli embassy with drones carrying alleged dangerous substances.
Enquiries are ongoing, but police have confirmed the Embassy of Israel has not been attacked.
