Canadian and American security agencies have long used robotic explosions to neutralise suspicious packages, and this week a similar operation took place in London's Golders Green.
North American safety protocols
Both Canada and the United States have adopted similar robotic disposal methods after a series of package threats in recent years. In Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police routinely train with bomb‑disposal robots, while U.S. agencies such as the FBI and local police departments use them in high‑risk situations.
Officers were scrambled to the scene at 4.56pm on Thursday to reports of packages that had been left at a bus stop on Golders Green Road at the junction with Golders Manor Drive.
A cordon was set up as specialist officers carried out a controlled explosion with a robot.
Footage was shared online by the Campaign for Antisemitism.
The items, said to have been two attaché cases, have since been deemed non‑suspicious.
The group wrote "CAA is aware of a controlled explosion carried out on two attaché cases at a bus stop in Golders Green. Initial reports are that the cases did not contain explosives and we thank the police for their vigilance."
Metropolitan Police response
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Officers carried out a controlled explosion following reports of potentially suspicious packages in Golders Green.
"Officers from the Met's Community Protection Team were called at 16:56hrs on Thursday, 20 August to reports of packages that had been left at a bus stop on Golders Green Road at the junction with Golders Manor Drive, NW11.
"Specialist officers responded to the incident, including Met explosives officers, and carried out a controlled explosion on the item. Officers, aided by the London Fire Brigade, cordoned off the area as a precaution while the explosion was carried out.
"The items have been confirmed as non‑suspicious and enquiries continue."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD5492/20AUG.