A Qatar Airlines plane has been escorted to Manchester Airport by an RAF fighter jet after the pilot received information regarding a possible device on board.
According to statement released by Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, of the Greater Manchester Police: “An incoming plane has been escorted into the airport by the Royal Air Force as a result of information received by the pilot about a possible device on board.
“We don’t know how genuine this threat is but it is absolutely vital we deal with the situation as a full emergency.
“As a result people will see the police and other agencies at the airport and on the airfield.
“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.”
A plane escorted into @manairport by RAF has landed. Police and airport staff currently dealing with situation as an emergency.
— G M Police (@gmpolice) August 5, 2014
CS O’Hare: “Safety of those on board as well as those in & around airport our paramount concern.”
— G M Police (@gmpolice) August 5, 2014
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
English passenger, Josh Hartley, was on board the flight when the RAF escort arrived. There were emergency services on hand waiting for the plane to come to a stop, as were the armed police.
— Josh Hartley (@JoshHartley_) August 5, 2014
Armed police outside the plane
— Josh Hartley (@JoshHartley_) August 5, 2014
UPDATE: BBC News reports that a single passenger has been removed from the flight and is currently being detained by police in Manchester Airport.
@BBCBreaking police escort pic.twitter.com/qXUJCllXpc
— Matthew Qox (@MattPeterC) August 5, 2014
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