Running out of petrol can be problematic wherever it happens - but for one man who stopped his van outside a Tube station, it sparked a terror alert.

He was seen to get out of the vehicle and run into Aldgate East station, with officers promptly evacuating the area and those working in nearby offices ordered to stay inside.

Eyewitnesses reported road blocks put in place and armed police gathering in the street.

Tower Hamlets Police have confirmed the incident was not serious, tweeting: “Officers were on scene dealing with an incident where a male was seen to abandon his van and run into #aldgate [sic].

“Police acted swiftly to evacuate the area for public safety, #thatswhatweareherefor outcome pls make sure you have enough fuel for you journey #ooops.”