A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after a parcel bomb exploded in the post room of a central London office building this morning.

Police said the bomb, believed to have been disguised in a jiffy bag, blew up at the head office of management consultancy firm Capita Group, which runs the capital's congestion charge.

The Met's Counter Terrorist Command has launched an investigation, but police would speculate on who was behind the attack.

A female employee was rushed to hospital with minor injuries, believed to be burns to her hands.

Police and emergency services evacuated the six-storey building on Victoria Street while explosives experts examined the device.

A 50m police cordon was set up along the busy street which runs from Victoria Station to the Houses of Parliament.

Chief Superintendent Ian Thomas said: "At about 9.40am emergency services were called to the offices behind us following reports of a small explosion.

"We are still investigating the cause of that explosion and the Met Counter Terrorism Command are looking at all the issues involved.

"One female employee was injured and taken to a local hospital. While this is a very traumatic incident for her, her injuries are fairly minor."

Police were called to reports of a "suspicious package" at 9.40am.

Capita is the UK's leading business process outsourcing and professional services company, its website said.

As well as the congestion charge, Capita manages the Criminal Records Bureau and revenue collection from TV licensing. A spokesman for the company said: "Capita can confirm that a small incident took place at its Victoria street office this morning involving an incendiary device.

"The police have asked us to make no further comment at this time as their investigation is proceeding."

Scotland Yard said it was not in a position to discuss who may or may not be responsible.

"If members of the public have concerns about any suspicious packages then they should call police in the normal way," a Met statement said.

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