Improvised explosive devices investigated in London and Glasgow
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) who are investigating three small improvised explosive devices received at addresses in London on March 5 have linked a similar-type device that was identified at the University of Glasgow the following day.
Officers from the CTC and Police Scotland are working closely together to share any information or intelligence that could assist their respective inquiries.
The packages – all A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags and bearing stamps from Ireland – have been assessed by specialist officers to be small improvised explosive devices capable of igniting an initially small fire when opened.
At approximately 9:55am on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) received a report of a suspicious package at The Compass Centre, Nelson Road, Hounslow. The package was opened by staff at the building, setting it off. This resulted in part of the package burning.
No one was injured. The building was evacuated as a precaution. Specialist officers attended and made the device safe.
At approximately 11.40am British Transport Police were called to reports of a suspicious package in the post room at Waterloo Station. The package was not opened. Specialist officers attended and made the device safe. No one was injured.
At approximately 12.10pm police were called to a report of a suspicious package at offices at City Aviation House, Royal Docks, Newham. Staff were evacuated from the building as a precaution. The package was not opened and no one was injured. Specialist officers attended and made safe the device.
As a precaution, DLR services to London City Airport were briefly suspended. The CTC has issued advice to transport hubs across London to be vigilant for and report suspicious packages to police.
A fourth package arrived at the University of Glasgow on Wednesday. It was destroyed in a controlled explosion.
Commander Clarke Jarrett from the CTC said: “Due to similarities in the package, its markings and the type of device that was recovered in Glasgow, we are treating it as being linked to the three packages we’re investigating in London. We are working very closely with our colleagues from Police Scotland and both investigations are being run in tandem.”
“We continue to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and one such line is the possibility that the packages have come from Ireland. However, we are still keeping an open mind with regards who may be responsible and any possible motivation.”
