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Gatwick Airport: Controlled explosions carried out Gatwick Airport: Controlled explosions carried out
(35 minutes later)
Controlled explosions have been carried out on a van in Gatwick Airport's North Terminal car park.Controlled explosions have been carried out on a van in Gatwick Airport's North Terminal car park.
Sussex Police said a bomb disposal unit was called after suspicions were raised about a Renault van as it entered the car park at 14:40 BST. Sussex Police said a bomb disposal unit was called after suspicions were raised about a blue Renault van as it entered the car park at 14:40 BST.
Officers were unable to locate the driver or see inside the van.Officers were unable to locate the driver or see inside the van.
Police said the bomb disposal unit carried out the controlled explosions and there was no suggestion of "any other threats to the airport". After the controlled explosions police said they found "nothing of concern" in the vehicle and restrictions began to be lifted at 21:15.
Eyewitnesses reported an increase in armed police at the airport and the presence of a bomb disposal robot. They are now looking for two men who entered the car park in the untaxed, uninsured and unregistered van.
Insp Gary Medland, from Gatwick Police, said: "We are aware that this is likely to cause significant disruption to people arriving or departing North Terminal by car, especially at this time of day. The men were seen to push up a barrier to gain access to the car park before leaving the van on the ground floor.
"However, it is important that we establish whether this vehicle poses any threat and the cordon has been put in place for the safety of everyone visiting and working at the airport. 'Most unusual'
"There is no suggestion that there are any other threats to the airport and both police and security staff are actively checking all areas." Officers said they contacted the bomb disposal unit after attempts to locate the men failed and they became worried there could be something heavy in the back.
Several controlled explosions were carried out to gain entry to the vehicle.
Witnesses reported an increase in armed police at the airport.
Insp Gary Medland, from Gatwick Police, said: "There is nothing to link the vehicle with terrorist activity and there is a strong possibility that the two men dumped the van as they headed for a flight.
"Enquiries are under way to establish whether this was the case and we are obviously very keen to talk to the men involved.
"We are aware that the closure of the car park caused some disruption to people travelling to and from the North Terminal by vehicle, but this was a most unusual event and the safety of those visiting and working at the airport must take priority."
Gatwick Airport said the incident has not affected any incoming or outgoing flights.Gatwick Airport said the incident has not affected any incoming or outgoing flights.
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