The Royal Air Force has been forced to escort a passenger jet into Manchester Airport after a passenger claimed there was a bomb on-board. The pilot of the Qatar Airways Airbus A330 is thought to have contacted authorities after being alerted to the risk.
Local residents on the ground claimed the plane had “looped around” the airport a number of times before landing. The flight from Doha was escorted in to land by an RAF Typhoon fighter jet.
Once it had landed Police boarded the plane and escorted a man in a green T-Shirt off. He had his hands on his head, indicating that he was removed at gun point.
According to the Daily Star a note was handed to the pilot who then reported a possible device on board. He radioed to the ground to say he had “concerns” and the RAF scrambled a fighter jet from Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Before it was clear the whole thing had been a hoax Chief Superintendent John O’Hare of Greater Manchester Police, 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.
“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.”
Bomb threats are taken incredibly seriously in Britain, and hoaxers are regularly landed in very serious trouble for suggesting an explosion might happen.
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