Bomb disposal experts blow up suspicious package found in heart of Whitehall near Downing Street and Cabinet Office 

• City of Westminster Police investigated a 'suspicious package' left at Whitehall
• A police cordon was put in place over the surrounding area in Westminster 
• Officers carried out a controlled explosion inside a phone box, near Treasury
• The item proved to be non-suspicious and the road has since been reopened

Whitehall was restricted at both ends by officers, while witnesses say a controlled explosion took place inside a phone box.

Following this, police say the item proved to be non-suspicious and the road has since been reopened.

A Met spokesman: 'Road closures and cordons are being lifted after a suspicious package was dealt with at Parliament Street, Westminster.

'The item was found to be non suspicious. We thank the public for their co-operation while we dealt with the item.'

It is understood officers have brought a bomb disposal robot to the scene, with firefighters also present.

Witnesses have also reported hearing the controlled explosion.