Croydon town centre cordoned off and shops evacuated over ‘suspicious’ vehicle

Police have cordoned off Croydon’s town centre and have evacuated buildings following the discovery of a ‘suspicious’ vehicle.

It is not yet clear what the threat is in the south London borough, but trams have been suspended, while trains and buses are being diverted.

Officers are instructing people to stay away from the area after an ‘incident’ was declared at around 3pm this afternoon.

In a tweet shortly before 4.30pm, the Metropolitan Police tweeted: ‘Cordons are in place near #WestCroydon BR Station after officers became aware of a suspicious vehicle at around 15:00hrs.

‘Specialist officers are attending to assess. Some buildings/ shops evacuated as a precaution.

‘Road closures are in place. Motorists should use alternative routes. Bus & train services have also been disrupted.’

Specialist officers have been rushed to the scene in south London (Picture: Sarah Bowell)

Shops have been evacuated and public transport has been cancelled or diverted (Picture: Sarah Bowell)

The Met Police say officers were called to reports of a ‘suspicious’ vehicle at around 3pm (Picture: Sarah Bowell)

The London Overground has been suspended between Sydenham and West Croydon, with all trains travelling to Crystal Palace instead.

Southern Railway services will pass by West Croydon without stopping, while others are being diverted to other stations.

Ticket holders should be able to get replacement bus services, but roads in the area are also likely to be congested due to the shutdown.

National Rail has said disruption in the area is expected until at least 6pm.