Security alert called off at British parliament

LONDON, June 7 (Reuters) Police declared a brief security alert over at the British parliament today after a man threw powder in a public area of the building.

''A man spread an unidentified substance in the central lobby. He has been detained at the scene while inquiries continue,'' police said in a statement.

They said later the white substance was harmless.

Witnesses said a grey-haired man had suddenly begun throwing the powder around and apparently complaining at a court ruling.

Doors to the historic building were briefly sealed while police investigated but the alert was called off within an hour.

One police officer said there had been fears the powder was anthrax but a member of parliament said later he had heard it was flour.

''Somebody we think had a grievance threw some powder in the central lobby. No one is allowed in or out while we check this,'' a uniformed police officer on duty at parliament told Reuters during the security alert.

REUTERS SK VC0028