London Bridge station reopens after suspicious item investigated

People wait in front of closed platforms at London Bridge station after it was evacuated following a security alert, in London, Britain April 21, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

London Bridge station in central London reopened on Wednesday afternoon after it was evacuated while police investigated reports of a suspicious item on board a train, a Reuters eyewitness said.

Police were called to the busy commuter hub at 11.33 GMT following reports of a suspicious item on board a train, a British Transport Police spokeswoman said.

The station was closed as a precaution while specialist officers assessed the item.

Police officers stand guard at London Bridge station after it was evacuated following a security alert, in London, Britain April 21, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Train operators Southern and Southeastern said on Twitter that trains were not stopping at the station.

"All lines are expected to reopen shortly following the emergency services having dealt with an incident at London Bridge," Southern said in a statement.

Police officers stand outside London Bridge station after it was evacuated following a security alert, in London, Britain April 21, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

(Reporting by Sarah Young, Paul Sandle, Natalie Thomas and Henry Nicholls; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Alistair Smout)

A military officer stands guard at London Bridge station after it was evacuated following a security alert, in London, Britain April 21, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Police vehicles stand outside London Bridge station after it was evacuated following a security alert, in London, Britain April 21, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls