Uranium Scare at Heathrow: Man Arrested and Bailed
Small Uranium Trace Sparks Major Investigation
A man in his sixties was arrested and later released on bail after traces of uranium were found in a cargo package at Heathrow Airport on December 29, 2022. The package, containing scrap metal, was detected during routine screening, raising serious concerns.
Counter Terrorism Steps In
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The discovery of what was a very small amount of uranium within a package at Heathrow Airport is clearly concerning.” He added that the priority is to rule out any direct threat to the public.
“Despite making this arrest, based on what we currently know, this incident still does not appear to be linked to any direct threat to the public.” – Commander Richard Smith
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
- Arrest made on Saturday, January 14, during an operation involving Cheshire Police and Counter Terrorism North West.
- Man arrested on suspicion of breaching Section 9 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
- Specialist officers searched the Cheshire address but found no dangerous materials.
- The suspect was released on bail with a return date set for April.
- Investigations continue to ensure public safety.
Border Force at Heathrow alerted the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command after detecting the contamination. Authorities remain vigilant as they follow every lead in this ongoing probe.
