Battersea evacuated after police find 'suspicious package and man collapsed in car'

Streets in Battersea were placed on lockdown as police investigated a suspicious package discovered in a car.

Officers found a man collapsed behind the wheel of the parked vehicle on Prince of Wales Drive at just before 1.40pm.

The man was rushed to hospital but, while searching the vehicle, police discovered a suspicious object.

Police evacuated the area and people were told to stay away as police swarmed the streets, witnesses said. The roads have since been reopened and the incident has been stood down.

The Met said the item was non-suspicious.

One person reported being unable to get out of Battersea Park and said officers had moved the cordon back twice.

Passer-by Steve Jackson, who lives nearby, told the Standard: "The car is sat with its boot and drivers door open at traffic lights on Prince of Wales Drive adjacent to an old folks home.

"This was about 2.30pm. Cordon at the time was just around the junction but was soon extended in all directions.

"There are ambulances, police and fire engines parked up in surrounding streets."