Counter-Terror Police Investigate Three Explosives Sent To London Buildings

5 March 2019, 18:02 | Updated: 26 March 2019, 15:57

Counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation after three "small improvised explosive devices" were discovered near Heathrow Airport, London City Airport, and Waterloo Station.

The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command is investigating links between the three incidents after suspicious packages were received at buildings in London.

Police were called to buildings near Heathrow Airport, London City Airport and Waterloo Station between about 10am and midday after packages were found.

In a statement, the force said: "The packages – all A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags - have been assessed by specialist officers to be small improvised explosive devices.

"These devices, at this early stage of the investigation, appear capable of igniting an initially small fire when opened."

Heathrow Airport

Shortly before 10am, a building near Heathrow Airport was evacuated after a package was opened and causing a small explosive device to initiate.

Nobody was injured in the incident, and specialist officers attended to make the device safe.

The Met Police said: "The building is not based at Heathrow Airport, and flights have not been effected by this incident."

The statement confirmed that this building remains closed as enquiries continue.

Waterloo Station

British Transport Police were called to reports of a suspicious package in the post room at Waterloo Station at aproximately 11:40am.

In a statement, the Met Police confirmed that nobody was injured as the package was not opened.

The central London station was not evacuated, but a cordon remains in place at a small area outside the station.

London City Airport

Shortly after midday, the police responded to reports of a suspicious package at offices at City Aviation House at Royal Docks.

The statement from police report that staff were evacuated as a precaution, and that the package was not opened.

"Specialist officers attended and made safe the device. The building has been reopened," the statement said.

Flights to and from the airport had not been affected, but DLR services resumed after a temporary suspension.