UK counterterrorism police find explosives in busy hubs

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - British counterterrorism police said Tuesday that three suspicious packages found near transport centers in capital London were "small improvised explosive devices."

"The Met Police Counter Terrorism Command has launched an investigation after three suspicious packages were received at buildings in London today," said a statement from police.

The suspicious packages were found earlier today at Waterloo Station, Heathrow and London City airports.

The roughly one-foot long white rectangular packages have been assessed by specialist officers to be "small improvised explosive devices."

"These devices, at this early stage of the investigation, appear capable of igniting an initially small fire when opened," the statement said.

The incidents are being treated as a "linked series" and an open mind is being kept regarding motives, it added.