London: A Venezuelan, arrested for allegedly carrying a live grenade in his baggage at Gatwick airport, has been charged under British anti-terrorism laws.

Customs officials stopped 37-year-old Rahaman Alan Hazil Mohammad at the airport 40 km from London, after he flew in to the United Kingdom from Caracas on a British Airways jet on February 13.

Sussex police arrested him after a live grenade was found in his luggage and he has since been questioned in London.

Hazil Mohammad will appear before Bow Street magistrates on February 17.

He faces three charges for possession of an article for purpose of committing a terrorist act, possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or damage property and carrying a dangerous article on a British registered aircraft.

Police said British anti-terrorist officers would fly to Venezuela to probe into the background of the Venezuelan.

Gatwick's North terminal was evacuated and closed for several hours on February 13 after Hazil Mohammad was stopped.

The high alert at Heathrow and other airports in the country continues amid heightened fears of an attack by terrorists.

Heathrow airport's terminal two was closed for an hour and a half on February 14 after a "suspect package" – later declared safe – was found.

PTI