Police are 'prepared' after man arrested outside Buckingham Palace

Police are stepping up security ahead of the King's Coronation this weekend, after a security threat last night, ITV News Political Correspondent Romily Weeks reports

A government minister says police are prepared for threats during the King's Coronation, after a man was arrested for throwing items, believed to be shotgun cartridges, into the Buckingham Palace grounds.

Safety concerns loom as all eyes are on the major event, as the Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspect was detained following Tuesday night's incident.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat told ITV News police are in the "best place", not only in London but at events throughout the UK.

"We've had months to prepare but sadly others had months to prepare as well," he said.

"So we are working with intelligence services, and working with police forces around the UK to make sure we're in the best place, not just for the important events in Westminster and Windsor but around the country as well."

The Met detained a man on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon at around 7pm on Tuesday.

He was also found with what police have described as a suspicious bag.

Specialist officers were called to Buckingham Palace and carried out a controlled explosion as a precaution, following an assessment.

ITV News understands neither the King or Queen Consort were at Buckingham Palace at the time. 

Police say they are not currently treating the incident as terror-related.

It is understood it is being treated as an isolated mental health incident.

Chief Superintendent Joseph McDonald, said: “Officers worked immediately to detain the man and he has been taken into police custody.

“There have been no reports of any shots fired, or any injuries to officers or members of the public. “Officers remain at the scene and further enquiries are ongoing.”

Mr Tugendhat said the police response was "impressive" and officers did "exactly as they should have done, and did so with the minimum amount of fuss and the maximum about of speed".

The items thrown into the palace grounds “have been recovered and will be taken for specialist examination”, the Met Police added.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment and said the incident was a matter for the Metropolitan Police.

Roads have now reopened and the majority of cordons have been lifted.

It comes as earlier on Tuesday, royal fans began setting up camp to secure the best viewing spot for King Charles III's coronation this weekend.

Official government guidance suggests the pavement viewing areas along the procession route will be closed until 6am on Saturday.

But a handful of dedicated royalists have arrived in the Mall with camp beds and sleeping bags.

Listen to the latest Royal news and all you need to know about the coronation on our podcast, The Royal Rota...