Metropolitan Police officers in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear suits swarmed London's Kensington Gardens on Friday, closing the popular park to investigate several discarded items.

The response followed an overnight video shared on Telegram by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which translates as "The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand." The footage claimed the group had launched drones carrying "radioactive and dangerous carcinogenic materials" toward the nearby Israeli embassy as a "second phase of operations." It showed individuals in hazmat suits handling jars of white powder and drones being flown in a park setting.

Police confirmed they are probing the video's source and authenticity, as well as any potential link to the items found in the gardens. A cordon was established around the area near the park's bandstand, with police divers searching the Round Pond, an ornamental lake, and London Fire Brigade investigation dogs deployed on site. The London Ambulance Service hazardous area response team also attended.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Matt Jukes stated: "Counter-terrorism policing in London is aware of a video shared online overnight in which a group claims to have targeted the nearby Embassy of Israel...we're carrying out urgent inquiries to determine the authenticity of the video and to identify any potential link between it and the items discarded in Kensington Gardens." The force emphasized that the embassy had not been attacked and urged the public to avoid the area while enquiries continue.

In an update issued around 11:38 BST, the Met Police said: "We do not believe there to be any increased public safety risk."

The Israeli embassy confirmed all staff were safe and the site was unaffected. "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," a spokesperson said. The embassy remains in close contact with local authorities.

Kensington Gardens, part of the Royal Parks and a major tourist spot adjacent to Hyde Park, was closed all day. Emergency vehicles were visible behind the cordon, and a heavy police presence persisted into the afternoon. The incident began around mid-morning, with evacuations reported shortly after 9:45 a.m. BST.

Counter-terrorism officers lead the investigation, reflecting concerns over the video's claims, though no arrests have been reported and the threat level has not been elevated publicly. The park's closure disrupts visitors to landmarks like the Albert Memorial and Kensington Palace grounds.