Bomb squad carry out controlled explosions outside US Embassy in London

Police and bomb squad outside the US Embassy in London. Photo / Twitter

A controlled explosion has been carried out on two cars near the building site of the new US embassy in London.

Metropolitan Police have confirmed the situation is not terrorism related.

The incident in #PontonRoad #Wandsworth has been stood down. This was not terrorism related.

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 7, 2017

Metropolitan Police said they were called to Nine Elms, Wandsworth at 4.38pm to reports of two unattended vehicles.

A cordon was set up around the cars and a nearby Waitrose was evacuated of shoppers by specialist officers.

A spokeswoman for the force told MailOnline: "London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade are also in attendance.

"A controlled explosion was carried out at around 5.37pm. Enquiries continue."

A statement added before the controlled explosion took place said: "No one hurt, we're just being vigilant.

"Traffic still flowing, Pontin Road currently closed, as is the Waitrose store & car park."

1/2 Officers currently dealing with 2 potentially suspicious vehicles near #NineElms. No one hurt, we're just being vigilant.

— Wandsworth Police | #StayAlert (@MPSWandsworth) June 7, 2017