RAF jets scrambled as plane diverted to Stansted and 'armed police on scene'

RAF fighter jets have escorted a plane from Kenya into Stansted Airport amid security fears.

The Kenya Airways Boeing 787 - en route to London Heathrow from Nairobi - was diverted into Stansted at just before 3.45pm. The airline has said it received "an alert of a potential security threat on board" at around 10.30am. Flight KQ100 was scheduled to take off at 9.05am this morning and was set to land at Heathrow at 4.15pm.

RAF Typhoon fighters were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire as a precaution, the Ministry of Defence has said. It's understood the aircraft landed safely and was then escorted to a remote stand.

Eyewitnesses have reported seeing bomb disposal teams arrive at the airport. Officers from Essex Police were also at the scene. A force statement said: "We are currently attending an incident at Stansted Airport. A flight travelling from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to Stansted this afternoon (Thursday 12 October). The airport remains open."

Police later said: "Officers have established there is nothing of concern on board a flight diverted to Stansted Airport. A Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted to the airport this afternoon following reports of a security alert.

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"The plane was escorted into the airport and taken to a secure area. Officers carried out enquiries and established there was nothing of concern on board. The plane has been handed back to the airport which has remained operational throughout and is fully open."

The flight operator said in a statement: "Kenya Airways PLC (KQ) confirms that on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at around 10.30hours, KQ Headquarters received an alert of a potential security threat on board KQ100 operating from Nairobi to London Heathrow.

"KQ management in conjunction with the security authorities of the Government of Kenya and the United Kingdom carried out a thorough risk assessmernt of the threat. The crew on board were briefed and all safety and security precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of our crew and passengers.

"The aircraft landed safely at Stansted Airport, London, for security clearance by the UK Government security personnel. The safely and security of our crew and customers is our number one priority."

An MOD spokesperson added: "The civilian aircraft remained in contact with air traffic controllers throughout, and was escorted to Stansted Airport where it landed safely. This incident is now under the control of the civilian authorities."