Terror probe in London after 'viable explosive device' found

Part of central London was cordoned off today after police discovered an explosive device.

Officers were called to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in The Haymarket in the heart of the capital’s busy West End.

The vehicle was examined by specialist explosives officers who discovered a “potentially viable explosive device” and made it safe.

Scotland Yard have launched a terrorism investigation.

A police spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in The Haymarket, shortly before 2am this morning.

"As a precautionary measure the immediate area was cordoned off while the vehicle was examined by explosives officers.

"They discovered what appeared to be a potentially viable explosive device. This was made safe. The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command has launched an investigation."

The Haymarket is likely to remain closed for most of the morning, police said.