LONDON: UK police say counter-terrorism investigation launched after small improvised explosive devices were found at Heathrow Airport, City Airport and Waterloo Station on Tuesday.
Officers from Counter Terrorism Command have launched an investigation after three suspicious packages were received at The Compass Centre #Hounslow, near #Heathrow Airport, London Waterloo Station and City Aviation House #Newham near City Airport https://t.co/Uuu3RfdNHa
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 5, 2019
The packages – all A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags – were assessed by specialist officers to be small improvised explosive devices. The devices, at this early stage of the investigation, appear capable of igniting an initially small fire when opened, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
The Met Police Counter Terrorism Command is treating the incidents as a linked series and is keeping an open mind regarding motives.
No one was injured by the devices and services were not affected. No arrests have been made.
The extent of the incident is still not yet known. Most of Waterloo Station remained in operation; when contacted by Arab News, several shops were not even aware of the incident. Some were informed, and were given a warning with minimal information, and told to follow updates on the Metropolitan Police’s social media accounts.
One mailer was found near Heathrow Airport. A building was evacuated as a precaution after the package was opened and part of it burned. Officials say the building is not at the airport and flights were not affected.
Earlier on Tuesday, police confirmed they were investigating security alerts at two London airports as well as at Waterloo station involving “suspicious packages.”
“British Transport Police were called to Waterloo station at 11.40am today following reports of a suspicious package. The item is currently being assessed by specialist teams. Cordons are in place however train services continue to operate as normal at this time,” the British Transport Police said.
Metropolitan Police posted on Twitter: “At approximately 12.10hrs today, Tuesday, 5 March, police were called to a report of a suspicious package at London City Airport Aviation House, Royal Docks, #Newham”
“Specialist officers are at the scene. The building has been evacuated as a precaution.”
