Police Lock Down Kensington Gardens in London Over Drone Threat

On April 17, 2026, London police cordoned off Kensington Gardens after a video surfaced online from the pro-Iranian group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. The video threatened to carry out a drone attack on the Israeli Embassy, stating they would use drones potentially loaded with dangerous substances.

In response, the Metropolitan Police deployed officers in protective gear to investigate suspicious items found near the embassy, although they confirmed that there had been no attack on the facility itself. Authorities are conducting urgent enquiries to ascertain the authenticity of the video and any possible connections to the discarded items.

While no direct threat to public safety has been established, law enforcement urged residents and visitors to avoid the area as investigations continue. A spokesperson from the Embassy of Israel confirmed that all staff were safe and that the embassy had not been compromised.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes indicated that the police are collaborating closely with security teams at the embassy to bolster safety measures. The incident comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions and several recent arson attacks linked to antisemitic motives in London.

Public safety remains a priority, and police maintain a heightened presence around the embassy and surrounding areas to ensure the community's security. The situation will be closely monitored, and further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.