Man held over hoax bomb threat after emergency on board passenger plane

Manchester Police have arrested a man on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat after a plane was escorted into the city’s airport by an RAF fighter jet. The emergency came when the pilot of Qatar Airways Flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester reported concerns about a possible device. It landed safely. Qatar Airways said there were 269 passengers and 13 crew on board. Greater Manchester Police tweeted that officers were working to get other passengers off “as swiftly and safely as possible”. “The plane has been moved to allow specialist officers who are dealing with the incident to board,” said another tweet.

We don’t know how genuine this threat is but it is absolutely vital we deal with the situation as a full emergency.

John O’Hare, chief superintendent

It is thought that parts of the airport have been evacuated and most incoming flights have been diverted to Leeds-Bradford and other airports. Chief Superintendent John O’Hare said in a statement: “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.”

The crew on board had received a threat about a possible device on board and Qatar Airways immediately took all the necessary precautions to alert British authorities.

Qatar Airways

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