Visitors evacuated from British Museum after security scare
The museum cancelled a lecture on ancient Israel this week due to security concerns (Tim Ireland/PA)
The British Museum was evacuated on Saturday afternoon after receiving “malicious communications” and discovering a “suspicious device” in a toilet.
Met Police officers responded to the central London site and, following an investigation, declared the package non-suspicious, allowing visitors to be readmitted at 4 pm.
The incident occurred days after the museum postponed a lecture on ancient Israel, part of Jewish Culture Month, due to concerns that attendees planned to disrupt the event.
The museum stated the decision was made to ensure the event could proceed safely and without intimidation, following discussions with organisers and security partners.
The postponement drew criticism from public figures, including historian Simon Schama, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who called it “highly regrettable” and are working to reschedule the event.
