Military Jets Escort Plane To Ground At Manchester Airport Following Bomb Threat

                                   The plane (left) being escorted in by an RAF Typhoon (right)

An incoming plane has been escorted into Manchester airport by the RAF over fears that a device was on board.

Greater Manchester Police said the RAF involvement came "as a result of information received by the pilot about a possible device on board". It is thought that the plane involved was a Qatar Airways Airbus A330 and that the RAF plane was a Typhoon from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

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.

"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 withthe safety of those on board and in and around the airport our paramount concern."

Flights to the airport are being diverted to Leeds Bradford Airport, reports say.