Two men arrested for Manchester bomb hoax

Officials have confirmed that passengers on board the easyJet flight to Morocco had to be disembarked from the craft this afternoon.

A Manchester Airport spokesman said: “Due to an incident onboard an easyJet aircraft this afternoon, as a precautionary measure passengers were taken offboard whilst police investigated.

“In the meantime we will be working closely with the airline and third parties to look after all passengers until they can continue with their journey.

“At all times the safety and security of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they were called to reports of a man claiming to have a bomb.

They said that officers were called at around 3.30 pm to Stand One at Manchester Airport’s Pier B following reports that a passenger had claimed to have a bomb in his bag.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.

A spokesman said: “The aircraft was immediately evacuated and two men, aged 45 and 46, were arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.

“The passengers and their baggage are now being subjected to another security screening before they are allowed back on the plane.

“The searches and security checks are on-going and no explosive devices have so far been found.”