Man arrested in connection with airport uranium investigation

“Our priority since launching our investigation has been to ensure that there is no linked direct threat to the public. To this end, we are following every possible line of enquiry available to us, which has led us to making this arrest over the weekend.

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A man has been arrested and released on bail as part of the investigation into the uranium found at Heathrow airport in December.

A security alert was triggered at the airport on 29 December, leading to a response from officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.

The uranium was found in a shipment of scrap metal and police said there was no threat to the public.

Commander Richard Smith, who leads 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 of concern, but it shows the effectiveness of the procedures and checks in place with our partners to detect this type of material.

Counter Terror Policing

“I want to be clear that despite making this arrest, and based on what we currently know, this incident still does not appear to be linked to any direct threat to the public.

“However, detectives are continuing with their enquiries to ensure this is definitely the case.”

On Saturday morning, officers attended an address in Cheshire, supported by colleagues from Cheshire Police and Counter Terrorism Police North West and a man was arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 9 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Officers also carried out a search at the property and no material that could be a threat to the public was found.

The man, in his sixties, was taken to a police station in north west England and has been released on bail until April. The investigation is continuing.

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Counter Terror Policing officers receive New Year Honours

Counter Terrorism Policing officers have been recognised in the King’s first New Year’s Honours List.

Officers have been recognised for their achievements and commitment to policing.

Detective Superintendent Claire Moxon (now retired) received the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for distinguished services to the Metropolitan Police Service.

Moxon has been recognised as a role model for others and for leading the development of the next generation of officers through mentoring and guidance, including both female detectives and officers selected for fast-track promotion.

Police Constable Richard Fox, Counter Terrorism Command and Metropolitan Police Choir received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to policing and music.

Counter Terror Policing said: “His dedication to the choir, alongside his policing role, has led to him revamping it in a myriad of ways, including recruitment and repertoire. His attention to musicality and insistence on excellence ensures consistently first-class performances at high profile events.”

PC Richard Fox said: “Being able to use my lifetime’s hobby to show a different side of the police and work with the talent the Met has to offer is truly inspiring.

“The choir enables the Met to reach places and people it otherwise may not and to raise money for a vast number of charities and good causes.

“Being nominated for this award is truly remarkable and leading the choir musically, an honour. I would like to thank the choir in its entirety for their support, commitment and drive to continually making the choir as successful as it can be.”

Detective Sergeant Paul Griffiths, Counter Terrorism Command received the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for distinguished services to the Metropolitan Police Service. According to Counter Terror Policing:

“DS Griffiths is one of the UK’s lead practitioners for witness interviewing and has dedicated his career to supporting witnesses and victims of major trauma and terrorism. He is considered an exceptional police officer and his work has had enormous impact upon countless people, in the UK and overseas, it has left a lasting legacy for policing.”

DS Paul Griffiths said: “I am truly delighted to be the recipient of this honour. Few achievements are those of a single individual and this reflects the hard work, dedication and wonderful support I have been fortunate enough to receive from family, friends and colleagues, both past and present; over the years.

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