UK: Explosive packages found across London area March 5 /update 2

Event

Officials have confirmed that three improvised explosive devices (IED) were discovered at London's Waterloo station, on the grounds of Heathrow Airport (LHR), and at the City Aviation House at London City Airport (LCY) on Tuesday, March 5. According to local sources, the devices were reportedly mailed in a large envelope and were designed to ignite a small fire when opened. A security cordon remains in place at Heathrow's Compass Centre office building and at Waterloo station on Cab Road as of Tuesday evening (local time); the security perimeter at London City Airport was lifted at 16:00. Investigators indicated at least two packages were mailed from Ireland and all three incidents are believed to be linked. Lingering disruptions are possible at Waterloo station, LCY, and LHR over the coming hours.

Context

Multiple suspicious packages were reported across the London area on the morning of March 5. The first package was discovered at 09:55 at the Compass Centre in Hounslow near Heathrow Airport (LHR). Police forces were also deployed to Waterloo station at 11:40 due to a suspicious package, cordoning off the station's Exit 3. Later on Tuesday, police officers evacuated the London City Airport (LCY) Aviation House and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) at 12:10 upon the discovery of a third package. Security forces temporarily closed the airport access road and ordered the suspension of DLR rail services in both directions, including trains from London's King George V station. DLR operations resumed at 14:00 following an all-clear notice by police. Flight operations at LHR and LCY were not affected by the security situations.

Advice

Individuals in London are advised to monitor developments to the situation and prepare for transportation delays, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities