Experts investigate suspect vehicle at Gatwick

A British army team of explosives experts are continuing to investigate a suspect vehicle at Gatwick Airport tonight.

The south terminal of the busy London airport was evacuated tonight as the vehicle was being investigated by explosives experts.

John Dunkling, Sussex Police's chief inspector of operations at Gatwick, said there had been no disruption to inbound or outbound flights.

Mr Dunkling refused to discuss whether police were acting on a tip-off, but said the location of the vehicle, close to the south terminal, was a cause for concern.

He added: “The location of the vehicle and the situation that we found it in this evening just gave rise to some suspicion about why it should be there.

“Until we are totally satisfied we can’t take chances so we decided to evacuate the area while we check the vehicle out.”

The A23 and perimeter roads nearby were closed following the discovery on the north-bound carriageway.

However, the nearby south terminal was not affected, said an airport spokeswoman.

She said: “Because of the circumstances surrounding the vehicle, the police have closed the A23 and the surrounding area.

“The south terminal building is open. It’s not affecting the north terminal at all.

“Passengers are still able to check in and arrive as normal but we advise they leave extra time.

“There are only a small number of flights left this evening and arrivals are coming in as normal.”

Cancellations and delays were not expected, she added.

In March this year, a Portuguese national was arrested after two home-made bombs were found at a flat in Crawley, West Sussex, near Gatwick Airport.

Jose Ivo Pestana, 40, of Langley Green, Crawley, was accused of unlawfully and maliciously having an explosive substance, butane gas cylinders and pyrotechnic powder, with intent to endanger life.

Police said Pestana had “no links to terrorism”.

In February a man was stopped by Customs officers after a hand grenade was allegedly found in his luggage as he arrived on a flight at Gatwick airport.

Hasil Mohammed Rahaham-Alan, a 37-year-old Venezuelan, was charged with possessing an article for the purpose of committing a terrorist act, possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or damage property and carrying a dangerous article on an aircraft.

Also in February, a specific terrorist threat sparked a massive high-profile security operation at London’s Heathrow airport with the dramatic deployment of light tanks.

More than 400 soldiers and around 1,700 extra police officers were drafted in to the airport and other key London locations in February.

It was believed the terrorist threat included the possibility that al Qaida terrorists could attempt to shoot down a plane with a shoulder-held rocket launcher.