Counterterrorism police are investigating after British Border Force officers seized material contaminated with uranium at Heathrow Airport.

Scotland Yard said officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were contacted after a small amount of contaminated material was identified during routine screening within a package incoming to the UK on December 29.

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.”

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