UK counter-terrorism police lead Heathrow Airport fire probe — but foul play not suspected

By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2025-03-21 13:15:11 | Updated at 2025-03-21 16:44:49 3 hours ago

British Police said there was no indication of foul play behind the fire which shut down Heathrow Airport on Friday, but added that its counter-terrorism unit was leading inquiries given the critical nature of the incident.

Huge orange flames and plumes of black smoke shot into the sky west of London at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday as a blaze engulfed a power substation about a mile and a half from the airport, forcing the sudden closure of Europe’s busiest hub and disrupting global flights.

British Police said there was no indication of foul play behind the fire which shut down Heathrow Airport on Friday. AP
Huge orange flames and plumes of black smoke shot into the sky west of London at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday as a blaze engulfed a power substation about a mile and a half from the airport. Karl Brown / SWNS

“While there is currently no indication of foul play we retain an open mind at this time,” London’s Metropolitan police service (Met) said in a statement.

“Given the location of the substation and the impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading inquiries.”

“While there is currently no indication of foul play we retain an open mind at this time,” London’s Metropolitan police service (Met) said in a statement. via REUTERS
“Given the location of the substation and the impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading inquiries,” the statement continued. AFP via Getty Images
The airport was forced to close, disrupting global flights, according to reports. TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The specialist unit has the resources and capabilities to progress the investigation at pace, the statement said, adding that the police were working together with London firefighters to establish the cause of the blaze.

Energy minister Ed Miliband said earlier on Friday there was no suggestion that there was foul play involved.

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