Met: Counter Terror team leading investigation into fire that's shut down Heathrow
They say there's "no indication of foul play" and "all possible lines of enquiry are being pursued.
The Metropolitan police have confirmed that the force's Counter Terrorism Command is now leading inquiries into the blaze that has shut down Heathrow Airport.
A spokesperson said: “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."
Thousands of Litres of Oil 'fully alight'
The substation fire in Hayes involved 25,000 litres of cooling oil fully alight, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
Speaking to broadcasters at the scene in Hayes, London Fire Brigade deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith said: "At 11.23pm on the evening of the 20th of March, London Fire Brigade received 212 calls to a fire in a high-voltage substation near Heathrow Airport.
"The fire involved a transformer comprising of 25,000 litres of cooling oil fully alight. This created a major hazard due to the still live high-voltage equipment and the nature of the oil-fuelled fire."
The Metropolitan Police declared a major incident for the fire at 12.42am on Friday, Mr Smith said.
Around 10% of the substation remains alight.
Thousands of Londoners left without power
Some 67,000 households were left without power due to the incident and 5,000 homes remain without power.
There is also no power at Heathrow Airport terminals two or four, Mr Smith said.
Prime Minister 'in close contact' with those on the ground
Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer has thanked emergency services in a post to X.
Sir Keir said: "I know the situation in Heathrow is causing distress and disruption, especially for those travelling or without power in their homes.
"I'm receiving regular updates and I'm in close contact with partners on the ground.
"Thanks to our emergency workers for keeping people safe."
Local schools closed
Six local schools have been closed following the substation fire in Hayes, Hillingdon Council said.
An update on the council's website said that Nestles Avenue Early Years Centre, Pinkwell Children's Centre, Pinkwell Primary School, Botwell House Catholic Primary School, Dr Triplett's C of E Primary School and The Global Academy were all shut.
The M4 is closed between junction three and four while local bus services are subject to diversions and cancellations, it added.
When will the airport reopen?
It is unclear how quickly flights will resume at Heathrow once it reopens.
Heathrow has announced it is closed until 11.59pm, but the Government restricts the number of flights that are allowed to take off or land at the airport between 11.30pm and 6am each day.
The airport's website states: "Sometimes planes need to operate in the night period when they have not been scheduled to do so.
"This could be for a number of reasons such as delays that have built up during the day or for a technical fault with an aircraft that needs to be repaired.
"There is always a delicate balance to be struck as to whether a flight should be allowed at night, considering the effects on local communities, passengers and the airline network."
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