Kensington Gardens has reopened after the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into several suspicious items in the London beauty spot. Among the items were two jars containing a powdered substance, which the force confirmed were not harmful or hazardous.

Officers were also made aware of a video circulating online featuring a group that claimed to have targeted the nearby Israeli Embassy with drones carrying dangerous substances. The Met confirmed that the embassy was not attacked after specialist officers were sent to the scene to assess the items and identify any risk to the public.

Some officers were deployed wearing protective clothing as a precaution. They have since determined that there is no risk to the wider public and the search has concluded.

The force’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) team and underwater and confined space search team were also sent to the park.

Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public.

“We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken. Although the items found have been assessed as being non-hazardous, we continue to investigate whether they may have any link to the online video.

“This work is being carried out by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“While the Embassy of Israel was not attacked, we continue to work closely with the Embassy and its security team to keep the site safe and secure.”

A message from the Israeli Embassy read: “A suspected security incident is being investigated in the park adjacent to the Embassy of Israel in London.

“We wish to clarify that all Embassy staff are safe and that the Embassy was not attacked. As always we remain in close and continuous contact with the local authorities.”