Aircraft evacuated over 'device'

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Sussex Police said a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a bomb hoax following the incident.

Police were alerted at 6.48am after a passenger found a note implying there may be a suspicious device on board a flight from Dubai.

The aircraft was safely landed at Gatwick Airport and all 184 passengers on board and crew were evacuated and taken to a reception area.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit worked alongside officers to search the aircraft and luggage.

Chief Inspector Ed Henriet said: "This was potentially an extremely serious situation and we immediately mounted an emergency response. At all times public safety was the key priority. All the agencies worked together to provide a co-ordinated response and minimise disruption and the airport operated as normal during this time.

"We are very grateful for the calm and understanding response from those directly affected, including the passengers who were on board and those waiting to meet them."

Sussex Police co-ordinated the response from Gatwick police station in co-operation with staff from BAA Gatwick, Surrey Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.