“No Suggestion of Foul Play” in Heathrow Substation Fire – Guido Fawkes

Miliband: “No Suggestion of Foul Play” in Heathrow Substation Fire

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There’s a lot of speculation as to the cause of the fire at an electrical substation near Heathrow which has completely shut down the airport and is likely to cripple UK air travel for several days. A recent spate of Russia-linked arson attempts has nerves jangling…

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told Sky News:

“I have spoken to the National Grid this morning who have talked me through what happened which was a catastrophic fire at a substation, the substation that serves Heathrow. Work is ongoing to put the fire out and to restore power as soon as possible, and that is what the National Grid and obviously the fire brigade and others are working on.  But this is what they describe as a catastrophic fire at the substation and it is obviously a fast moving picture and they are doing everything they can to both obviously get the fire out and restore power.”

He later updated that line in a further interview on LBC, saying: “There’s no suggestion that there is foul play.” Asked whether it was a “catastrophic accident”, Miliband said: “The conversation I’ve had is with the National Grid, the chief executive of the National Grid and certainly, that’s what he said to me.” More to add shortly no doubt…

UPDATE: London Fire Brigade take a different tack to Miliband – a senior fire officer wouldn’t comment on the cause of the fire in a press conference which began around 11:00 a.m. Meanwhile The Times reports counter-terror police are part of the investigation.

UPDATE II: Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, though the Met Police say there is no indication of foul play. A spokesperson for the force says:

“We are working with the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire which remains under investigation. While there is currently no indication of foul play we retain an open mind at this time. Given the location of the substation and the impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading enquiries.This is due to the specialist resources and capabilities within that command that can assist in progressing this investigation at pace to minimise disruption and identify the cause.”