Army explosives experts called in and staff evacuated after suspected pipe bomb found by FedEx staff at Stansted Airport
- Device was detected on scanners before it could be loaded on to a plane
- Cargo flights have been suspended and staff have been evacuated
- Passenger flights not affected by scare, a Stansted spokesman confirmed
Bomb disposal experts were called to Stansted Airport this evening after a suspected explosive device was found.
The device, thought to be a pipe bomb, was detected on scanners by FedEx staff before it could be loaded on to a plane.
Cargo flights have been suspended at the airport and staff have been evacuated.
Bomb scare: Bomb disposal experts were called to Stansted Airport this evening after a suspected explosive device was found
A Stansted Airport spokeswoman told the Harlow Star that passenger flights were not affected.
They said: 'Police were called shortly before 8pm on Friday, July 31, following the discovery of a suspicious package at the FedEx cargo facility near Stansted Airport.
A cordon was put in place while extra checks were carried out. The incident was stood down shortly after midnight on Saturday.
Passengers were unaffected and the airport's terminal remained open throughout.'
Stansted Airport is located in Essex, 30 miles out of London.
It is the busiest of the 'London' airports for cargo, with more than 230,000 tonnes of freight a year being shipped on more than 11,000 flights to more than 200 countries from the airport.
An earlier statement from Essex Police said 'a cordon has been put in place and the EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] has been called. Inquiries are ongoing.'
Passenger flights running as normal: A Stansted Airport spokeswoman told the Harlow Star that passenger flights were not affected
Most watched News videos
- Prince William says Kate is 'doing well' after her cancer diagnosis
- Pro-Palestine protesters chant 'Shame on you' outside Eurovision venue
- 'I'm deeply concerned': PureGym CEO gives honest opinion about Gaza
- Screaming Boeing 737 passengers scramble to escape from burning jet
- Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gather ahead of Eurovision semis
- Greta Thunberg joins pro-Palestinian protest outside Eurovision venue
- War on Tape: Russia's deadly Glide Bombs causing havoc in Ukraine
- Terrifying moment bus in Russia loses control plunging into river
- Passengers try to save their lives after bus plunged into river
- Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in Nigeria to promote Invictus Games
- Prince Harry visits Nigeria's wounded military men ahead of games
- Israel's Eden Golan performs amid loud boos during the Eurovision final