Passenger arrested after RAF escorts plane to Manchester Airport over bomb fears

An RAF Typhoon fighter jet was scrambled after the pilot of Qatar Airways flight QR23 raised concerns about a 'possible device' on board.

By Dave Lancaster |

16:21 05 August 2014

A man has been arrested after an apparent bomb hoax forced a passenger plane to land at Manchester Airport under an RAF escort.

A Typhoon fighter jet was scrambled by the RAF to bring the Airbus A330, which was flying into the UK from Doha, in to land at Manchester Airport.

At the height of the alert on Tuesday evening, nine incoming flights bound for Manchester were re-routed. After 'minor' delays, the airport has confirmed that it is now 'back to normal' levels of operations.

Passenger Matthew Qox witnessed the events unfolding from within the plane and stated to the BBC that he saw a fellow passenger being led off the plane by armed police.

Qox told the BBC: 'Armed police came on and found a guy, searched him and made him stand up with his hands on his head and took him off the plane.

'He seemed no different to others on the plane, nothing unusual.'

Greater Manchester Police 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.'