Failed car bomb attempt continues to disrupt London hotels and restaurants

Hospitality operators in central London face disruption after police warned the Haymarket area is likely to remain closed for some time following an attempted car bomb attack.

Police were called to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked outside the Tiger Tiger nightclub in the early hours of this morning.

A police spokesman said: "As a precautionary measure the immediate area was cordoned off while the vehicle was examined by explosives officers. They discovered what appeared to be a potentially viable explosive device. This was made safe."

Police added the area is likely to remain closed for some time, affecting a wide range of hospitality operators.

Businesses affected include a number of hotels, bars and restaurants including Cocoon, Momo and Brasserie Roux, as well a number of chain restaurants such as Pizza Express, Pizza Hut and Angus Steak Houses.

Police have also closed Park Lane as they investigate a second supect car there, which is causing disruption to many of London's most well known hotels including the Dorchester, Grosvenor House and Hilton Park Lane.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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