London's Charing Cross Station has now been re-opened after an emergency evacuation during rush hour this evening (27 July), following reports of a suspicious package. Services in and out of the station were halted as security services conducted an investigation.

Signs above the entrances to the station, which is one of the busiest in London, were illuminated with the warning: "Emergency: do not enter" amid chaotic scenes, as commuters were directed out of the station. Affected passengers tweeted their annoyance and concern, while others praised London transport staff for their vigilance.

More from IBTimes UK

It materialised that the package was an item of lost property. South Eastern trains confirmed that the situation had been dealt with and services were to be resumed, subject to delays. National Rail Enquiries said in a statement: "Emergency services have dealt with the incident at London Charing Cross and trains are now able to run to and from the station. There will be continued delays of up to 30 minutes to journeys to and from the station.

"Where possible some services will divert London Cannon Street. This is expected to continue until 18:30."

According to The Evening Standard The BTP spokesman said: "Officers were called to Charing Cross to reports of a suspicious package, but it was an item of discarded property. The station was closed for public safety and opened as soon as possible afterwards."

The capital city is on high alert following a series of terror attacks in Germany and France in the past fortnight. The Islamic State (Isis) warned: "London will be next.".

British police have called for vigilance in churches across the country following the attack on worshippers in Normandy, France which left an elderly Catholic priest dead and a member of the congregation injured. The deadly assault was claimed by IS (Daesh)

The Home Office has announced a £2.4m ($3.1m, €2.86m) grant to increase security in churches and other places of worship. The fund will offer churches, mosques and other religious centres access to floodlights, alarms and CCTV among other security measures.

Isis Islamic State