This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/7294745.stm

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Man arrested over Heathrow alert Man arrested over Heathrow alert
(30 minutes later)
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.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 said armed police surrounded the man on the north runway. Eyewitnesses told the BBC armed police surrounded the man on the north runway.
Scotland Yard said a man was arrested and a controlled explosion of the bag found nothing suspicious. They later confirmed it was not terrorism-related.Scotland Yard said a man was arrested and a controlled explosion of the bag found nothing suspicious. They later confirmed it was not terrorism-related.
Gordon Brown said everything was being done to ensure security at the airport, as some passengers experienced delays.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. Royal visit
Bag recovered Reports were of a man of Asian or Arab appearance removing his shoes before scaling the airport's perimeter fence, he said.
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.
We are determined to protect all passengers and all staff who go through Heathrow and every other airport Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
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."
The security breach comes a day before the Queen is due to open the new £4.3bn Terminal 5 building.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen's visit to Heathrow would go ahead as planned.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I'm satisfied everything is now being done to ensure security at Heathrow is intact.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.""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 operatorClearly 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. Last month protesters opposing airport expansion plans breached security to unveil a banner on top of a parked passenger jet.
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. Campaign groups Greenpeace and Plane Stupid both denied any involvement in this latest incident.
Aviation security expert Chris Yates described it as "extraordinarily serious" and said a lot of hard questions would now be asked of Heathrow's security.
The northern runway, also identified as 27R, was temporarily closed but is now fully operational. The southern runway remained open throughout the incident.The northern runway, also identified as 27R, was temporarily closed but is now fully operational. The southern runway remained open throughout the incident.
Flight delaysFlight delays
A statement from BAA said the incident ended just before 1600 GMT.A statement from BAA said the incident ended just before 1600 GMT.
"Some short delays have occurred as a result, but we expect to return to normal later this afternoon."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."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.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.
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.
Are you at Heathrow? Did you see the incident? Send us your pictures and information using the forms below.Are you at Heathrow? Did you see the incident? Send us your pictures and information using the forms below.
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Name
 Name