Gardaí have confirmed they are assisting police in the UK after three "small improvised explosive devices" were sent to staff buildings at three major transport hubs across London.
It is believed at least two of the packages was sent using Irish postage stamps.
Emergency services were called to the three separate incidents at Heathrow Airport, London City Airport and Waterloo Train Station between 09:55am and 12:10pm today.
The Met Police has now confirmed that three A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags were found.
The packages were found to contain "small improvised explosive devices." Police said they were capable of “igniting an initially small fire when opened.”
Two of the packages were sent using wedding stamps issued by An Post last year. The heart-shaped stamps with the words "Love Eire" are still available from the postal service.
One of the packages reportedly had a return address that appeared to say Dublin.
Police are treating the incidents as “a linked series” but are “keeping an open mind” regarding the potential motive.
Transport hubs across the city have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious packages to police.
.@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, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) March 5, 2019
Investigators said the incident at Heathrow Airport came about after a package was sent to The Compass Centre on nearby Nelson Road.
Staff opened the package “causing the device to initiate.” Police said this “resulted in part of the package burning.”
No-one was injured – however, the building was evacuated “as a precaution.”
Specialist officers made the device safe and the building remains closed. Police noted that the building is not located at Heathrow and no flights have been affected.
Specialist teams from British Transport Police are at Waterloo station after a suspicion item was discovered.
The station is open and train services are running. A small cordon is in place. @NetworkRail @SW_Help— British Transport Police (@BTP) March 5, 2019
The second package was uncovered after British Transport Police were called to reports of a suspicious package in the post room at Waterloo Station.
The package was not opened and specialist officers made the device safe. Again no-one was injured.
The station was not evacuated however cordons remain in place at a small area outside the station.
Train services are continuing to operate as normal.
We can confirm that the airport is operating as normal, flights are not impacted and the DLR is fully operational https://t.co/4cfB0oQMS7
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) March 5, 2019
Finally, a suspicious package was discovered at City Aviation House, a building at London City Airport.
The package was not opened and police made the device safe. The building was evacuated as a precaution however it has since reopened.
Light rail services to the airport were suspended for a time but have since reopened.
No arrests have been made and the police investigation is continuing.
