van
www.bbc.co.uk geplukt:
passenger aircraft flying from Hong Kong to London's Heathrow airport was diverted to Stansted after a security alert.
The Virgin Airlines plane landed safely at about 5.30am, following a reported bomb threat in a telephone call, officials at Stansted said.
Virgin confirmed 214 passengers and 18 crew had disembarked at Stansted.
Essex Police are carrying out a security sweep of the aircraft but have found no evidence of a bomb.
We never treat threats of this nature as routine... we take it seriously and we have tried and tested procedures to deal with it
Chief Supt Sue Harrison
Chief Supt Sue Harrison said: "The passengers and crew safely evacuated and are being held in a secure area at the airport and individually questioned by police.
"We are going through a thorough investigation to ensure the aircraft is safe.
"We never treat threats of this nature as routine. We take it seriously and we have tried and tested procedures to deal with it.
"If it turns out to be a hoax, we intend to find out who made the call and bring that person to justice.
"We do not want people to make hoax calls. They need to be dealt with firmly and brought before the courts."
'Checks by authorities'
The telephone call warning of the threat was received by another police force which contacted the Metropolitan Force and Essex Police were then alerted.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson has confirmed that Flight VS201 was diverted to London Stansted as a "precautionary measure".
"The aircraft and passengers are now subject to full security checks by the appropriate authorities.
"The flight departed Hong Kong at 2342 [3.42pm UK time] and, following the diversion, landed safely at Stansted at 0523 today.
"The aircraft was an Airbus A340-600 and was carrying 214 passengers and 18 crew."
A spokesman for the airport said: "Passengers and crew have been taken to an airside facility within the terminal building which is set aside for incidents of this nature.
"They will receive food and drink and any medical assistance as required."
Passengers will be subject to the usual safety and immigration procedures before being allowed to continue to Heathrow, the spokesman added.
---
Gelukkig had ik vrij!
C