Counter-terrorism police investigating after uranium found in cargo at Heathrow Airport last month

Police are investigating after metal contaminated with uranium was seized by Border Force Police at Heathrow Airport last month.

Officers of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command responded to the security alert which was triggered on December 29.

Scotland Yard said that the amount found was very small, adding that there was no threat to the public.

It was found in a shipment of scrap metal, a source said.

The Metropolitan Police said: "We can confirm officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were contacted by Border Force colleagues at Heathrow after a very small amount of contaminated material was identified after routine screening within a package incoming to the UK."

Commander Richard Smith said: “I want to reassure the public that the amount of contaminated material was extremely small and has been assessed by experts as posing no threat to the public.

“Although our investigation remains ongoing, from our inquiries so far, it does not appear to be linked to any direct threat.

“As the public would expect, however, we will continue to follow up on all available lines of inquiry to ensure this is definitely the case.

“However, it does highlight the excellent capability we and our partners have in place to monitor our ports and borders in order to keep the public safe from any potential threats to their safety and security that might be coming into the UK.”

The force said the material has been identified as being contaminated with uranium, no arrests have been made and officers are working with partner agencies to investigate and ensure there is no risk to the public.

“However, it does highlight the excellent capability we and our partners have in place to monitor our ports and borders in order to keep the public safe from any potential threats to their safety and security that might be coming into the UK,” the force added.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We do not comment on live investigations.”

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper tweeted: “Full support to the police and Border Force in their ongoing investigations in this serious case – shows the immensely important work they & intelligence services do on security & keeping the country safe.”

The Sun, which first reported the story, said the package originated from Pakistan and arrived at Terminal 4 on a flight from Oman.

Uranium can be used for civilian power generation and scientific purposes and is a key ingredient in nuclear weapons.

Certain isotopes emit radiation that can be harmful to humans, and the metal itself is toxic if ingested or inhaled.