Victoria coach station evacuated after 'suspect package' found

Victoria Coach station was evacuated on Tuesday morning due to a suspect package, amid high tensions following the Manchester Arena terror attack.

A Met Police spokesman said police attended the scene at 6.40am and that the coach station was closed off.

The station was reopened and police stood down at about 8.20am as the incident was classed "not suspicious".

James Greenslade, 26, was waiting for the coach to Cardiff at bus stand six when he saw police gather near suitcases nearby.

He saw two officers quiz customers at the scene before more police arrived and a tannoy announcement told passengers to leave the station.

Mr Greenslade said passengers left the station and were moved to the end of the street after about 15 minutes, with a cordon placed in front of them on Elizabeth Street near the junction with Ebury Street.

"I was quite shocked by what happened because of what happened in Manchester last night," said Mr Greenslade.

People nearby tweeted chaotic scenes at Buckingham Palace Road.

Meanwhile Westminster police advised passengers to stay away.

TfL tweeted that several bus routes were diverted away from Buckingham Palace Road.

Heavy traffic was reported at the junction of Buckingham Palace Road and Eccleston Bridge.

A spokeswoman for National Express, which operates coaches from the station, said: "The station has re-opened and is operational.

"Our services are currently running with about an hour's delay. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding."