A passenger has been escorted off a plane by police after it was brought in to Manchester Airport flanked by fighter jets due to a ‘possible device’ onboard.
The Qatar Airline flight QR23 from Doha landed around 20 minutes ago and was attended to immediately by emergency crews.
A man was then removed from the plane.
Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, said: “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.
Another pic at #ManchesterAirport pic.twitter.com/9kDe4peXEB
— Becky Sullivan (@Beckiiki) August 5, 2014
“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.”
Just seen a passenger plane being escorted by a fighter jet to Manchester airport pic.twitter.com/MQaVsl7Z53
— william service (@WilliamService) August 5, 2014
whoaaaa all the stuff about that Manchester plane is rly unnerving
— Hatty Watling (@hattylou98) August 5, 2014
Eek just seen a fighter jet escorting a plane in to land at Manchester Airport above our house
— Sleeper Editor (@sleepereditor) August 5, 2014
An RAF spokesman said later that the plane had landed safely and the incident was being handled by civilian authorities.
He said: “We can confirm that Typhoon aircraft were launched from RAF Coningsby in their quick reaction alert role this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft whose pilot had requested assistance.
“The aircraft was escorted to Manchester where it landed safely. This incident is now being handled by the civilian authorities.”
More to follow
Image courtesy of Becky Sullivan, with thanks
