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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/04/raf-typhoon-fighters-escort-ryanair-flight-to-stansted-airport
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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| RAF jets escort Ryanair flight to Stansted airport after security alert | RAF jets escort Ryanair flight to Stansted airport after security alert |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A Ryanair passenger jet was escorted into Stansted airport by two RAF fighter jets after a suspected hoax security alert. | |
| Flights were temporarily grounded at the hub as the plane was redirected from its route between Kaunas in Lithuania and Luton airport in Bedfordshire. | |
| Essex police took over the investigation once the flight landed and later confirmed nothing suspicious was found on the aircraft. | |
| A Ryanair spokesman said: “A flight from Kaunas to London Luton diverted to London Stansted in line with procedures after Lithuanian authorities received a suspected hoax security alert. | A Ryanair spokesman said: “A flight from Kaunas to London Luton diverted to London Stansted in line with procedures after Lithuanian authorities received a suspected hoax security alert. |
| “The aircraft landed normally at Stansted and customers will be transferred to Luton by coach when cleared to do so.” | “The aircraft landed normally at Stansted and customers will be transferred to Luton by coach when cleared to do so.” |
| Essex police said the plane landed at 8.55am and by 11am they had completed enquiries and found nothing suspicious. | |
| Ch Inspector Richard Phillibrown said: “We take all intelligence received regarding potential threats to public safety very seriously. The safety of the public is paramount.” | |
| @BBCEngland Not a sight you see everyday. Ryanair flight being tailed by a fighter plane. Something going on? Hope all is well over Suffolk pic.twitter.com/4yFTom2lMF | @BBCEngland Not a sight you see everyday. Ryanair flight being tailed by a fighter plane. Something going on? Hope all is well over Suffolk pic.twitter.com/4yFTom2lMF |
| An RAF spokesman said: “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this morning from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft. | An RAF spokesman said: “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this morning from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft. |
| “The aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted airport. The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons. Any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.” | “The aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted airport. The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons. Any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.” |
| RAF aircraft are authorised to travel at supersonic speed over land only in emergency situations. | RAF aircraft are authorised to travel at supersonic speed over land only in emergency situations. |