Heathrow terminal re-opens

Terminal four at Heathrow Airport has re-opened after passengers were evacuated.

Shortly after 5pm emergency services were called to the site to a "possible hazardous materials incident".

London's Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport and passengers were advised not to travel to the terminal. However shortly after 8pm the incident was stood down and the airport announced it was re-opening.

The fire service said:

Firefighters responded to a possible hazardous materials incident at Heathrow Airport.

Specialist crews were deployed to carry out an assessment of the scene, and Terminal 4 check-in was evacuated as a precaution whilst firefighters conducted operations. Around 20 people have been assessed on scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1701, with crews from Feltham, Heathrow, Wembley and surrounding fire stations mobilised to the scene.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation at this time.

The LFB said around 20 people had been assessed at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, in a statement on its website.

In a statement posted on X, Heathrow Airport said:

"Emergency services have confirmed Terminal 4 is safe to reopen and we are doing everything we can to ensure all flights to depart as planned today. We are very sorry for the disruption caused, the safety and security of our passengers and colleagues is our number one priority. We encourage passengers to check with their airline for the latest information about their flight this evening and our colleagues will be on hand into the night to assist"

Footage posted on social media showed passengers with their luggage waiting outside the airport, with some wrapped in foil blankets.

Airport staff say they're doing everything to make sure all flights can take off as planned.

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