New Oxford Street closed off as police respond to 'suspicious package on a bus' near Tottenham Court Road

Pedestrians and shoppers were cleared from New Oxford Street this afternoon as police responded to reports of a suspicious package.

Officers were seen outside Tottenham Court Road clearing pedestrians from the area at around 2.20pm.

Police vans and cars were at the scene as a cordon was put in place, which was stood down shortly after 3pm.

The blocked stretch of road went back to Centre Point Tower. Cordons are being lifted, Scotland Yard said.

Crowds were seen gathered outside Tottenham Court Road station.

An officer was heard shouting about a "suspect package".

Police vehicles descended on the scene (@SophiaSleigh)

A worker in New Oxford street was evacuated from their office and told the Standard they had been told there was a suspect package.

Police tape blocked the road this afternoon (Racheal Burford)

A statement from the Met Police said: "A security alert in central London has been stood down.

"Cordons were in place at the junction of Tottenham Ct Rd and Oxford St after police were called at 14:21hrs to a suspicious package on a bus. Cordons will be lifted asap.​"