ICONIC nightclub Heaven was last night evacuated after cops were called to reports of a 'suspicious item' – on the first Friday night of freedom.

Officers from the Met Police blocked off part of Villiers Street outside the nightspot, which hosts G-A-Y, while specially-trained experts launched a search.

Businesses in the area near Charing Cross station were also told to close. s station were also reportedly told to close by officers at the scene.

A bar staff member who works at a neighbouring venue told the Mirror there was a potential "bomb threat".

The man – who wished to remain anonymous – said he and colleagues watched a mass "evacuation outside the club and police told us to cease operating".

In a tweet at 11.10pm, officers based in Westminster said that due to an "incident", specialist units and other emergency services were "working together to place cordons to prevent access" to the street.

They added: "The public are advised to avoid the area until further notice."

However, the force then confirmed following further investigation nothing had been found and the report was a hoax.

However, the force then confirmed following further investigation nothing had been found and the report was a hoax, with the closures having now been lifted.

Officers said: "At 9.14pm on Friday, July 23, police received a report of a possible suspicious item at a nightclub in Villiers Street, WC2.

"Specialist officers attended and carried out a thorough search.

"Nothing suspicious was found and the report was deemed a hoax."

The drama happened as Brits enjoyed their first big Friday night out since March 2020.

Around the country, people were seen queuing to get into clubs, with more than 2,000 expected at Astoria in Portsmouth.

In Birmingham, revellers descended onto Broad Street and flocked to Rosies nightclub for sold-out event Vodbull.

Demand was so high for parties in the early hours some clubs were forced to make events ticketed – with many almost sold out before they opened.

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