Small explosive packages sent to London airports, rail station

London police are investigating three small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) delivered March 5 to administrative offices at two of the city’s airports and one of the capital’s main rail terminals. The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command launched an investigation after the packages—A4-size white envelopes enclosing yellow padded bags—were determined by police specialists to contain IEDs capable of igniting small fires when opened. The first package was reported about 9:55 a.m. local time at The Compass Centre, the administrative offices of Heathrow Airport Ltd. on the north side of London Heathrow. The package was opened by staff, causing the device to ignite and partially burn the package. No one was injured, and the building was evacuated. The incident did not affect flights. At about 12:10 p.m., police were alerted to a suspicious package at City Aviation House, the main administrative building for London City Airport, located in a car park opposite the terminal building. The package was not opened and no one was injured, but about 100 staff were evacuated. Specialist officers made the device safe. The building was reopened at 3:55 p.m., airport officials said. “Specialist police officers dealt with the device, which did not affect flight operations. The airport terminal remained open throughout,” the airport said.<br/>