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Man arrested over Heathrow alert Man arrested over Heathrow alert
(20 minutes later)
A major security alert is under way at Heathrow airport after a man with a rucksack scaled the perimeter fence and ran into the path of an aircraft. A major security alert has taken place at Heathrow airport after a man with a rucksack scaled the perimeter fence and ran into the path of an aircraft.
Eyewitnesses told the BBC armed police surrounded the man on Heathrow's north runway just after 1400 GMT and sniffer dogs were sent in to check the bag. Eyewitnesses told the BBC armed police surrounded the man on Heathrow's north runway just after 1400 GMT.
The Metropolitan Police said a controlled explosion was carried out, but nothing suspicious was found. The Metropolitan Police said a man was arrested and a controlled explosion of the bag found nothing suspicious.
A man has been arrested. Some flights have been delayed or cancelled. Gordon Brown said everything was being done to ensure security at the airport, as some passengers experienced delays.
The BBC's Ben Ando said police received numerous 999 calls at 1405 GMT from members of the public.The BBC's Ben Ando said police received numerous 999 calls at 1405 GMT from members of the public.
He said reports were of a man of Asian or Arab appearance removing his shoes before scaling the airport's perimeter fence.He said reports were of a man of Asian or Arab appearance removing his shoes before scaling the airport's perimeter fence.
Bag recoveredBag recovered
Up to 20 emergency services vehicles were reported to have been sent to the scene.Up to 20 emergency services vehicles were reported to have been sent to the scene.
The rucksack was recovered and explosives officers called in as a precaution.The rucksack was recovered and explosives officers called in as a precaution.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "A man was arrested and is currently in custody."A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "A man was arrested and is currently in custody."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I'm satisfied everything is now being done to ensure security at Heathrow is intact.
"We are determined to protect all passengers and all staff who go through Heathrow and every other airport."
Clearly this incident is a matter of some concern, and will be fully investigated in conjunction with the police BAA, airports operator
Norman Shanks, a former head of security at airports operator BAA, said it was not the first time a person had climbed over airport fencing.Norman Shanks, a former head of security at airports operator BAA, said it was not the first time a person had climbed over airport fencing.
He said it often transpired they were drunk or mentally unstable, and occasionally they were protesters.He said it often transpired they were drunk or mentally unstable, and occasionally they were protesters.
"Who knows what category this person falls into," he told BBC News 24."Who knows what category this person falls into," he told BBC News 24.
Campaign groups Greenpeace and Plane Stupid both denied any involvement.Campaign groups Greenpeace and Plane Stupid both denied any involvement.
Aviation security expert Chris Yates described the incident as "extraordinarily serious" and said a lot of hard questions would now be asked of Heathrow's security.Aviation security expert Chris Yates described the incident as "extraordinarily serious" and said a lot of hard questions would now be asked of Heathrow's security.
It is understood the north runway, also identified as 27R, was closed, but is now being partially used. The northern runway, also identified as 27R, was temporarily closed but is now fully operational. The southern runway remained open throughout the incident.
Cancelled flights Flight delays
A BAA Heathrow spokesman said passengers should contact airlines to find out whether flights have been delayed or cancelled. A statement from BAA said the incident ended just before 1600 GMT.
He said: "The northern runway is now being partially used while police deal with the incident. The southern runway is fully operational. Some delays are occurring as a result." "Some short delays have occurred as a result, but we expect to return to normal later this afternoon.
"Clearly this incident is a matter of some concern, and will be fully investigated in conjunction with the police," the statement said.
Passengers were being advised to contact airlines to find out whether flights have been delayed or cancelled.
British Airways said some of its flights could be cancelled.British Airways said some of its flights could be cancelled.
The security breach comes a day before the new Terminal 5 building is due to open.The security breach comes a day before the new Terminal 5 building is due to open.
Last month protesters opposing airport expansion plans breached security to unveil a banner on top of a parked passenger jet.Last month protesters opposing airport expansion plans breached security to unveil a banner on top of a parked passenger jet.
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