Britain's Palace of Westminster partly evacuated

LONDON - A security alert was issued at the Palace of Westminster in central London after a "suspect device" was found at Westminster Hall on Thursday afternoon.

The security alert led to the evacuation of part of the British parliamentary estate and closure of nearby traffic, local media reported citing police sources.

The alert was caused by "a device" in the visitors' center next to Westminster Hall, a key part of the palace, the police was quoted by British newspaper The Daily Telegraph as saying.

Local police have cordoned off part of the parliamentary estate, which is close to London's iconic building, the Big Ben.

Some nearby roads have been closed to keep drivers and pedestrians away from the building.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that there is a security alert, but provided no further details.