A precautionary controlled explosion was carried out outside the palace after the man was held on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, Metropolitan Police said.

Cordons are currently in place after the man was found with a suspicious bag on him, police added.

He was detained amid security preparations for King Charles's coronation on Saturday 6 May.

Buckingham Palace confirmed neither the King nor his wife Camilla were in the palace at the time of the incident.

The man had allegedly approached the palace gates, threw the items over and then was arrested at around 7pm.

Metropolitan Police's 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."