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Airport 'security lapses' exposed | Airport 'security lapses' exposed |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A documentary is to reveal what it calls "serious security lapses" at Birmingham International Airport (BIA). | A documentary is to reveal what it calls "serious security lapses" at Birmingham International Airport (BIA). |
An undercover investigation by ITV1's Tonight with Trevor McDonald found security officers sleeping while on duty and inadequate passenger searches. | An undercover investigation by ITV1's Tonight with Trevor McDonald found security officers sleeping while on duty and inadequate passenger searches. |
A six-month project looked at the work of ICTS UK, one of the security firms used by BIA. | A six-month project looked at the work of ICTS UK, one of the security firms used by BIA. |
BIA said the allegations related solely to ICTS UK which, like the airport, said it had launched an investigation. | BIA said the allegations related solely to ICTS UK which, like the airport, said it had launched an investigation. |
We are confident that the actions already taken continue to assure the safety and security of passengers BIA statement | We are confident that the actions already taken continue to assure the safety and security of passengers BIA statement |
A statement from ITV said the investigation into the security firm also found planes left unguarded, poor staffing levels and luggage sent for extra checks ignored by officials. | A statement from ITV said the investigation into the security firm also found planes left unguarded, poor staffing levels and luggage sent for extra checks ignored by officials. |
The programme, to be broadcast on Monday evening, will show a US Congress security expert calling for flights from the airport to America to be grounded after watching the footage. | The programme, to be broadcast on Monday evening, will show a US Congress security expert calling for flights from the airport to America to be grounded after watching the footage. |
ICTS UK is contracted by BIA to supply security staff to a number of airlines operating out of the airport, including US operator Continental Airlines. | ICTS UK is contracted by BIA to supply security staff to a number of airlines operating out of the airport, including US operator Continental Airlines. |
In a statement, BIA said it had launched an inquiry following ITV's undercover investigation and had taken action. | In a statement, BIA said it had launched an inquiry following ITV's undercover investigation and had taken action. |
'Limited material' | 'Limited material' |
It said ICTS UK provides "secondary screening to a limited number of airlines at BIA". | It said ICTS UK provides "secondary screening to a limited number of airlines at BIA". |
The statement added: "From the evidence provided by ITV two weeks ago, an investigation was immediately launched involving the UK Regulatory and Security Authorities and the airlines concerned. | The statement added: "From the evidence provided by ITV two weeks ago, an investigation was immediately launched involving the UK Regulatory and Security Authorities and the airlines concerned. |
"We are confident that the actions already taken continue to assure the safety and security of passengers." | "We are confident that the actions already taken continue to assure the safety and security of passengers." |
The statement added that the airport was concerned that some security procedures may have been misunderstood. | The statement added that the airport was concerned that some security procedures may have been misunderstood. |
In a statement issued to ITV for use on its programme, the security firm said: "ICTS UK takes very seriously any allegations concerning the security we provide to our customers. | In a statement issued to ITV for use on its programme, the security firm said: "ICTS UK takes very seriously any allegations concerning the security we provide to our customers. |
"Upon receiving the Tonight with Trevor McDonald report, ICTS UK immediately initiated a full and thorough investigation into the limited material made available to us." | "Upon receiving the Tonight with Trevor McDonald report, ICTS UK immediately initiated a full and thorough investigation into the limited material made available to us." |
A spokesman for Continental Airlines told the programme: "The company views all allegations relating to security with concern. | A spokesman for Continental Airlines told the programme: "The company views all allegations relating to security with concern. |
"Continental is committed to the highest standards of security for all its flights, and continues to work with ICTS and Birmingham International Airport to ensure these standards are maintained." | "Continental is committed to the highest standards of security for all its flights, and continues to work with ICTS and Birmingham International Airport to ensure these standards are maintained." |
"Terror in the skies" will be broadcast on ITV1 in a Tonight special at 2100 BST on Monday. | |
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