UPDATE: A passenger on board the plane has now been arrested by police on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat.
Greater Manchester Police has said that it is “business as usual” at Manchester Airport and police are “still dealing with the matter as an isolated incident”.
A “full emergency” has been declared at Manchester Airport this afternoon, amid reports of a suspicious device on board a passenger plane at the facility.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed this afternoon that a Qatar Airlines flight, believed to have originated from Doha, was escorted into the airport by military jets after information was received by the pilot about a “possible device” on board.
Chief Superintendent John O’Hare said that “we don’t know how genuine this threat is but it is absolutely vital we deal with the situation as a full emergency”.
“At this time, I would urge them not to be alarmed. Our response will be as comprehensive as it is proportionate with the safety of those on board and in and around the airport our paramount concern,” he said.
A passenger plane has been escorted into Manchester Airport by an RAF fighter jet. http://t.co/w9R4RC0d9Q pic.twitter.com/owbsMuSMuh
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 5, 2014
One passenger has been tweeting from the plane, admitting “I am worried”.
Being escorted in pic.twitter.com/oXwxmhNsjo
— Josh Hartley (@JoshHartley_) August 5, 2014
Landed duno what the fuck is happening. — Josh Hartley (@JoshHartley_) August 5, 2014
The guy sat next me says hi — Josh Hartley (@JoshHartley_) August 5, 2014
— Josh Hartley (@JoshHartley_) August 5, 2014
Okay no I am worried
— Josh Hartley (@JoshHartley_) August 5, 2014
