3 bomb packages found in London airports, Waterloo station

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Three suspicious packages containing improvised explosive devices were found at three separate locations across London, including near the Heathrow airport. The Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism has started investigation. The police said the command is treating the incidents as linked and keeping an open mind on investigations. The packages were A4 sized white postal bags.

No flights were disrupted nor were arrests made. The packages were assessed by specialist officers. According to them, these were small improvised explosive devices that appeared capable of igniting an initially small fire when opened.

The first package was discovered in a building in Hounslow, which lies near Heathrow. It was opened by staff, which initiated the device and resulted in part of the package burning. Specialist officers attended and made the device safe.

The second package was found at the busy Waterloo train station, but it was not opened. The third was discovered at the City Aviation House in the London City Airport in Newham and was not opened. Staff was evacuated from the building and no one was injured.

The Heathrow airport has said that they will assist the police investigation into the “criminal act”. As a precaution, DLR services to London City Airport were suspended for some time but were resumed soon after.

Flights to and from the airport were not affected. The police issued advice to transport hubs across London to be vigilant for and report suspicious packages to police.

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