Explosive Packages Found in London Airports Caught Fire

CF7AXK A BA (British Airways) airplane passes an A30 road sign beside Heathrow Airport, London, UK (close to Hatton Cross station).

Packages containing explosives were discovered in three locations across the wider British capital on Tuesday, including London’s Heathrow and City airports. No passengers were harmed, but an office building at LCY was evacuated as a result of the incident, which is being investigated by police.

Packages containing explosive devices were found in three separate locations across the British capital on Tuesday, including at London’s Heathrow (LHR) and City (LCY) airports, the BBC reports.

In a statement, London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that is investigating the incident. The third device was found at the city’s Waterloo Station in central London.

The BBC has reported that all three packages bore postage marks and stamps from the Republic of Ireland. Irish police authorities have said that they are also offering assistance with any on-going investigation.

.@Metpoliceuk Counter Terrorism Command has launched an investigation after three suspicious packages were found at locations around London today – thankfully there have been no injuries. I would like to thank first responders for their swift actions to keep Londoners safe. pic.twitter.com/d3OVfy4uYn

— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) March 5, 2019

The device at LHR was discovered at just before 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday morning at The Compass Centre, which is located within the boundary of LHR. This building is the main office for Heathrow Airport Limited and is not located within or near any of the airport’s passenger terminals.

The device is said to have caught on fire when staff attempted to open the package in which it was contained. The device was later deactivated by police.

A spokesperson for LHR described the incident as a “criminal act”.

At LCY, the outlet reports that around 100 employees had to be evacuated from City Aviation House, a structure that is located within walking distance of the airport’s terminal area.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that it “is treating the incidents as a linked series and is keeping an open mind regarding motives.”

While no flights were affected at either airport, the incident did cause some disruption on local rail networks, as noted on a FlyerTalk forum.

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