Students, Civic Centre workers and Wembley locals expressed their shock at having to evacuate the area due to a bomb threat at a major music venue.

Police cordoned off a section of Engineers Way, Lakeside Way and Empire Way at around 11am this morning (April 22) in Wembley Park after a suspicious package was found.

The area was closed and eventually reopened by 12.41pm after it was declared a false alarm.

But everyone inside Brent Civic Centre was forced to leave, and shops including The White Horse and Estadio Lounge were shut. Access to the Hilton Hotel was also restricted.

Times Series: Police tape between Wembley Arena and Brent Civic CentrePolice tape between Wembley Arena and Brent Civic Centre (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

Craig, a 19-year-old student who did not want to share his surname, said his studies were interrupted.

He said: “It was all a bit of a rush, we just had to get up straight away and nobody really explained what was actually happening.

“I thought it must’ve been something bad because it lasted for ages. I just don’t know if I should head home or not.

“At least it wasn’t serious, but I doubt I’m going to study today I guess!”

Times Series: A crowd outside Brent Civic Centre, as the crowd started to die downA crowd outside Brent Civic Centre, as the crowd started to die down (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

Rosie Butler, who lives in Finchley, was upset that she was unable to access her car after it was left in a closed-off section.

She added: “I was only meant to be here for a quick visit, obviously I wouldn’t have come here if I knew this was going on.

“But there’s always something in London isn’t there? No one really seems to be too worried though so at least there’s that.”

One unnamed cleaner who was on the way to the OVO Arena for work explained that he had not been aware of anything going on but was turned away by officers.

Times Series: The police cordon was called offThe police cordon was called off (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

The Brent & Kilburn Times saw many people be turned away from the scene as they tried to get more information before news emerged that this was a bomb scare.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers attended the scene and carried out a thorough search of the premises.

“It was concluded that there was no threat to the premises and the incident was stood down.”

There were no arrests, but enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.