Gatwick Airport: Controlled explosions carried out Published duration 1 May 2013

image caption Suspicions were raised about the Renault van as it entered one of Gatwick Airport's car parks

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 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.

After the controlled explosions police said they found "nothing of concern" in the vehicle and restrictions began to be lifted at 21:15.

They are now looking for two men who entered the car park in the untaxed, uninsured and unregistered van.

The men were seen to push up a barrier to gain access to the car park before leaving the van on the ground floor.

'Most unusual'

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."