Heathrow Airport Border Force seize missile parts on freight to Iran

Heathrow Airport border staff have thwarted a suspected attempt to fly missile parts from Britain to Iran.

The UK Border Force intercepted at least two ‘O rings’ being flown from the international airport.

The ‘O rings’ – which can be used to form seals in warheads, were detected during an inspection of the shipment.

The small and inexpensive rocket components are pieces of rubber that go between tubes to stops leakage.

Despite being sent for use in the Iranian oil industry, Border Force staff stopped the shipment after they became suspicious of the intended use. 

The force speculated the real intention for the O rings was to use them for missiles. 

According to the Evening Standard, an investigation in to the shipment is now underway which could lead to criminal action against those responsible for sending the parts. 

Border force staff stopped the shipment after they became suspicious of the intended use. An investigation is underway which could lead to criminal action (file photo)

Monique Wrench, the UK Border Force’s deputy director at Heathrow said: ‘It is a component part. It looked like it was going to an oil refinery. But the dots don’t quite join up here.

‘They can be used in oil, but they can also be used for warheads and the like.’ 

Ms Wrench declined to comment if any arrests had been made and said the added that HM Revenue and Customs had now taken over the investigation.  

The sale, supply, or transport of missile-related goods or technology is banned in the UK.

The penalty can carry a hefty fine as well as a prison sentence.