POLICE officers have worked quickly and robustly to resolve a security alert on board an EasyJet flight at Stansted, destined for Amsterdam, and arrest three people.

They received a call reporting a security concern on a plane on the ground at the airport shortly after 7.40pm today (Wednesday 19 October).

Officers responded quickly and worked with our partners at Stansted to move the plane to a secure area so they could carry out enquiries.

This meant that the runway was closed for just a short time, keeping wider disruption to a minimum, and allowing the airport to fully re-open quickly.

Specialist officers boarded the plane and removed three people who have all been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax and they are currently in custody.

Following a search of the plane we are satisfied there is nothing of concern on board.

We’re now liaising with Stansted and EasyJet to return responsibility for the flight, and the decision regarding its onward journey, to them.

We want to thank the other passengers on board for their patience and understanding.