Military jets escort Qatar Airways plane to Manchester Airport
Military jets have escorted a passenger plane to Manchester Airport after reports of a possible device on board.
The Qatar Airways plane was escorted in to land by the Royal Air Force (RAF) following information received by the pilot.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were treating it as a “full emergency” and armed officers have boarded the plane.
All flights in and out of the airport were suspended for about 25 minutes.
'Comprehensive response'
It is understood the plane involved is an Airbus A330, which was escorted by a Typhoon from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Operations at the airport resumed at about 14:00 BST, after the plane landed at a terminal.
Passengers have been disembarking from the plane “as normal”, an airport spokesman said.
Ch Supt 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.
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The plane was filmed from the ground as it was escorted in to land
“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.”
Eye witness Chris Phelan, 42, from Heaton Moor, was in his garden when he heard the roar of a jet plane before filming it on his camera.
“I looked up and saw what looked like a Typhoon jet flying close to a passenger plane.
“I live on the flight path so I'm used to seeing planes coming into land but it's the first time this has ever happened in the four to five years I've been here.”
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