London’s Luton airport evacuated due to a “suspicious package”
The terminal building at London Luton Airport was evacuated this afternoon and the bomb squad was called in after a suspicious package was discovered.
"The decision has been taken with the police to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff," said Luton Airport on its website, adding that all incoming flights had been diverted to Stanstead, and the approach road to the airport was closed.
Britain raised its international terrorism alert to its second-highest level last month, after David Cameron said the UK must "challenge the thinking of extremist ideologues". As part of the measures, the police were given the power to seize passports at borders, while airlines will be forced to hand passenger lists to the government.
Evacuated passengers tweeted that the bomb squad had been called in:
Bomb squad arrive at Luton Airport. pic.twitter.com/zSz4fmWwSo
— Gavin D. J. Harper (@gavindjharper) September 8, 2014
Others tweeted pictures of frustrated crowds:
https://twitter.com/roxanny_/status/508978006850031616
Current situation emergency evacuation in #Luton Airport.. No update pic.twitter.com/jkNhF5oucL
— G a v i n. (@Gav_Oleary) September 8, 2014
For its part, Luton Airport added this:
Passengers are advised to contact their airlines to establish the status of their flights. #securityalert
— London Luton Airport (@LDNLutonAirport) September 8, 2014