ITV Southbank studios bomb scare: Loose Women interrupted as police respond to suspicious vehicle in central London

Witnesses reported controlled explosions as Loose Women was interrupted mid-air

The ITV studios were evacuated after police officers were called to a bomb scare in London.

Witnesses reported a bomb disposal unit conducting several controlled explosions on a white Skoda car parked near the studios.

An episode of ITV’s Loose Women was interrupted on air by an announcement over a loudspeaker announcing “it is clear to return”.

Presenter Andrea McLean addressed viewers shortly after, saying: “Earlier on in the show you may have heard a security tannoy announcement.

“I just have to say there is nothing to worry about thankfully, we had a security alert outside ITV, we were in lockdown, but that announcement was giving the all clear so we’re all OK now”.

Lindsey Bowers, a digital producer at ITV, Tweeted saying the road had been cordoned off, there had been a controlled explosion and staff had been asked to move away from the south side of the building.

The National Theatre, which is located in the same area, also Tweeted to thank the police for their swift response.

A spokesman for the Met said officers had investigated the vehicle and the incident had since been stood down, according to the Evening Standard.