A Jobcentre in Wallington had to be evacuated as a member of staff suffered an allergic reaction after opening a letter.

Images published online show emergency services surrounding the centre after being called during the afternoon of February 19.

There were initial reports suggesting a package had “exploded” but these were refuted by the Department for Work and Pensions.

One user wrote: “Heard a rumour it could be a suspect package.”

Another one said: “Apparently a package got delivered to job centre an [sic] exploded in someone’s face with powder coming out.”

A DWP spokeswoman said “nothing untoward” was found in the letter and emergency services were called to the incident as a precautionary measure.

People inside were evacuated but were allowed back in and normal service has since resumed.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman confirmed police were called at 12.30pm to reports of a suspicious package in Railway Approach alongside the London Ambulance Service.

She said cordons were put in place and the building was evacuated.

She added: "One person was treated by LAS for an allergic reaction.
The package was deemed to be non-suspicious and the incident has been stood down."