Police carry out controlled explosion at Golders Green bus stop
Two attaché cases left at a bus stop on Golders Green Road were deemed non-suspicious after specialist officers intervened
Incident → evidence → outcomeA controlled explosion was conducted by police at a bus stop in Golders Green on 20 August 2026. The operation targeted two attaché cases left unattended at the junction of Golders Green Road and Golders Manor Drive. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the packages were later deemed non-suspicious.
Officers from the Met’s Community Protection Team arrived at the scene at 4:56 pm after receiving reports of the packages. Specialist explosives officers used a robot to carry out the controlled explosion. The London Fire Brigade assisted in cordoning off the area as a precautionary measure.
Footage shared online
The Campaign Against Antisemitism posted footage of the explosion on social media. The group said it was aware of the incident and thanked police for their vigilance. It added that initial reports indicated the cases did not contain explosives.
“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.”
What happens next
The Metropolitan Police said enquiries into the incident are ongoing. No arrests have been made. Residents with information are asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD5492/20AUG. The force has not released further details about the nature of the packages.
Questions this report answers
01What happened at the bus stop in Golders Green?
Police carried out a controlled explosion on 20 August 2026 after two attaché cases were left unattended at a bus stop on Golders Green Road. The packages were later confirmed as non-suspicious, though investigations continue. The area was cordoned off during the operation.
02Were the packages dangerous?
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the two attaché cases were deemed non-suspicious after a controlled explosion was conducted. No explosives were found, but enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
03How can residents provide information about the incident?
Residents with information can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference CAD5492/20AUG. The force has not released details about the origin or ownership of the packages.
04Was anyone injured during the police operation?
There were no reports of injuries during the controlled explosion. The London Fire Brigade assisted in cordoning off the area as a precaution while the operation was carried out.
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