British officials have launched an investigation into how a fake bomb was transported from the UK to Turkey without detection.

The developments come just weeks ahead of the Royal Wedding and five months after a bomb disguised as an ink cartridge was found on a UPS cargo plane at East Midlands Airport.

The latest device was travelled to Turkey, also on board a UPS flight, with authorities warning it could have been a dry run for a future attack.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “The government is aware of this incident and takes it very seriously.

“We have already begun an investigation which will look at all aspects of this incident, including UPS’s procedures.

“The UK has one of the toughest security regimes for air cargo in the world. All security measures are subject to continuous review.”

A Turkish man delivered the package, which had a timer, wires and detonator and was placed inside a wedding cake box, to a UPS office in north London a fortnight ago, according to ITV News.

A UPS spokeswoman said: “Two weeks ago, a suspicious package travelled within the UPS network aboard an all-cargo aircraft from the United Kingdom to Istanbul, Turkey.

“UPS is co-operating with the UK Department for Transport’s investigation of the incident.

“UPS has a multiple-layered approach to ensure security.”

Last October a bomb disguised as an ink cartridge was found on a UPS cargo plane at East Midlands Airport.

Police later said that device was timed to detonate over the eastern seaboard of the United States.