A plane heading into Manchester Airport was forced to divert to Stansted accompanied by two Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
A Jet2 flight that was due to land in Manchester from Dalaman at 9.40pm was diverted, landing instead at around 9.20pm. Tracking websites showed two RAF Eurofighter Typhoon jets accompanying the flight, the Manchester Evening News reports.
The RAF confirmed that the fighter jets had been scrambled to an aircraft that was "causing concern".
LATEST: Police update after Manchester flight diverted under escort by RAF Typhoon jets
An RAF spokesman said: "The RAF can confirm Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this evening from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that was causing concern. The aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted Airport.”
The plane is now said to be parked away from the terminal. According to AviationSource, a media outlet designated for aviation related news, reports suggested a bomb threat may have been made to the flight. However, these remain unconfirmed.
A spokesperson for Stanted Airport said: "The plane has landed safely at Stansted and was met by Essex Police on arrival. It is parked in an isolated stand away from the main terminal."
A spokesperson for Jet2 added; "We can confirm that flight LS922 from Dalaman to Manchester diverted to London Stansted this evening under the direction of UK Air Traffic Control. The aircraft has landed safely and has taxied to a remote stand. We are currently liaising with London Stansted Airport as well the relevant authorities.”
Manchester Evening News has contacted Essex Police for comment.
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