Breaking News.
Terror alert closes Houses of Parliament
(Filed: 07/06/2006)
Man arrested for throwing suspect white powder anthrax around central lobby.
Police evacuated the lobby of the Palace of Westminster this evening after a man was seen throwing a suspect white powder.
The central lobby was cleared at about 6pm after the man hurled the powder, which he claimed to be anthrax.
Half an hour later the all-clear was given and the Houses of Parliament were reopened. A man has been arrested by police.
The doors of the Palace were locked by police during the alert, but the House of Commons and House of Lords remained in session throughout.
The powder is currently being tested by police wearing protective overalls, gas marks and gloves. It is not thought to be dangerous.
A spokeswoman for the House of Commons authorities said: "Just after 6pm this evening a man in Central Lobby threw some white powder which he claimed was anthrax.
"The Metropolitan Police specialist team has investigated the area. As a precaution the Palace of Westminster was locked down for the duration of the incident until the powder had been investigated and confirmed as harmless.
"The perimeter of the parliamentary estate has now been re-opened.
"A man has been arrested and taken to Charing Cross Police Station."
More to follow
telegraph.co.uk
Terror alert closes Houses of Parliament
(Filed: 07/06/2006)
Man arrested for throwing suspect white powder anthrax around central lobby.
Police evacuated the lobby of the Palace of Westminster this evening after a man was seen throwing a suspect white powder.
The central lobby was cleared at about 6pm after the man hurled the powder, which he claimed to be anthrax.
Half an hour later the all-clear was given and the Houses of Parliament were reopened. A man has been arrested by police.
The doors of the Palace were locked by police during the alert, but the House of Commons and House of Lords remained in session throughout.
The powder is currently being tested by police wearing protective overalls, gas marks and gloves. It is not thought to be dangerous.
A spokeswoman for the House of Commons authorities said: "Just after 6pm this evening a man in Central Lobby threw some white powder which he claimed was anthrax.
"The Metropolitan Police specialist team has investigated the area. As a precaution the Palace of Westminster was locked down for the duration of the incident until the powder had been investigated and confirmed as harmless.
"The perimeter of the parliamentary estate has now been re-opened.
"A man has been arrested and taken to Charing Cross Police Station."
More to follow
telegraph.co.uk
