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Three devices described as "A4-sized white postal bags" were found across the capital this morning – with each device capable of "igniting an intially small fire when opened".

Scotland Yard said officers are treating the incidents as linked and are keeping an open mind regarding motives.

Terror cops are the leading the investigation – and no one has been injured in the three incidents, Met Police said.

Police discovered the first device at 9.55am at The Compass Centre near Heathrow, then at 11.40am a bomb was found at Waterloo Station, and 12.10pm a device discovered City Aviation House, Royal Docks, Newham near London City Airport.

Pictures of the devices have been revealed, with white packages stamped with "hearts" being sent to the transport hubs – with stamps believed to be from Ireland.

Counter terror police are investigating a link to "Irish dissident republicans" over the fire bombs.

(Image: SKY) (Image: SKY)

Officers received a report of a suspicious package at The Compass Centre – which was opened by staff, causing the device to go off and start a fire.

The building was evacuated as a precaution and specialist officers attended the scene to make the device safe.

Police said the building remains closed as enquiries, and a Heathrow spokesman earlier said that flights and passengers were not affected by the incident.

British Transport Police were called to reports of a suspicious package in the post room at Waterloo station – the package was not opened and specialist officers again made the device safe.

Police were also called to a report of a suspicious package at Aviation House at London City Airport shortly after midday.

(Image: COVER)

In a statement, Scotland Yard said: "The Met Police Counter Terrorism Command has launched an investigation after three suspicious packages were received at buildings in London today, Tuesday, 5 March.

"The packages - all A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags - have been assessed by specialist officers to be small improvised explosive devices.

"These devices, at this early stage of the investigation, appear capable of igniting an initially small fire when opened.

"The Met Police Counter Terrorism Command is treating the incidents as a linked series and is keeping an open mind regarding motives."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan posted on Twitter: "The @metpoliceuk Counter Terrorism Command has launched an investigation after three suspicious packages were found at locations in London.

"Our thanks go to police, security, transport staff and all involved for their swift actions to keep our city safe."

(Image: DS)

The police added: "No one was injured. [Compass House] was evacuated as a precaution. Specialist officers attended and made the device safe.

"The building remains closed as enquiries continue. The building is not based at Heathrow Airport, and flights have not been effected by this incident.

"At approximately 11.40am British Transport Police were called to reports of a suspicious package in the post room at Waterloo Station.

"The package was not opened. Specialist officers attended and made the device safe. No one was injured.

"The station was not evacuated however cordons are in place at a small area outside the station on Cab Road. Train services are continuing to operate as normal."

(Image: COVER)

Detectives added: "At approximately 12.10pm police were called to a report of a suspicious package at offices at City Aviation House, Royal Docks, Newham. Staff were evacuated from the building as a precaution.

"The package was not opened and no one was injured. Specialist officers attended and made safe the device. The building has been reopened.

"As a precaution, DLR services to London City Airport were suspended but are now fully operational. Flights to and from the airport have not been affected.

"The Met Police has issued advice to transport hubs across London to be vigilant for and report suspicious packages to police.

"No arrests have been made."

(Image: COVER) (Image: COVER)

London City Airport said in a statement: "We can confirm that City Aviation House has reopened and staff have returned safely, following the evacuation of approximately 100 staff at 12.15pm due to the discovery of a small improvised explosive device.

"Specialist police officers dealt with the device, which did not affect flight operations. The airport terminal remained open throughout. Inquiries by the Metropolitan Police are ongoing."

Aviation House is where a number of airport staff work and is a two-minute walk from the passenger terminal.

The building was reopened shortly before 4pm.

Flights were not affected but Docklands Light Railway services did not stop at the airport for around an hour during the investigation.