RAF jets escort passenger plane to Manchester Airport due to a device on board

RAF jets were scrambled to escort a passenger plane as a suspected suspicious device found on board.

A passenger plane has been escorted by a military jet into Manchester airport after the pilot received information about a possible device on board, police said.

An eyewitness said Armed Police searched a man and was placed in handcuffs, who is being described as bald.

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

A man pulled from the QR23 flight at Manchester Airport has been arrested on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police says.