Parliament placed on lockdown after 'white powder and racist letter sent to Muslim peer'

The Houses of Parliament were put on lockdown after an envelope containing white powder and a "racist" message was reportedly sent to a Muslim peer.

The powder was accompanied by a "horrible racist letter" and was sent to Labour peer Lord Ahmed, according to BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg.

Parts of Parliament were shut down for about 90 minutes as police examined the delivery, which arrived at about 12.30pm.

Peers were reportedly left stranded on a House of Lords terrace overlooking the Thames as the incident unfolded.

Scotland Yard said they investigated a suspicious package but did not confirm the contents.

A spokesman for the Met said there were no reports of anyone suffering any illnesses or injuries as a result.

Police were stood down at about 2pm.