Birmingham airport has been evacuated and all flights have been grounded.
West Midlands police released the following statement regarding the incident: “Birmingham Airport is currently being evacuated following a report of suspicious vehicle.
This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.”
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “West Midlands Police is currently dealing with an ongoing incident on-site.
“Airport operations are currently impacted, and passengers should not come to the airport at this time.
“The Airport’s social channels will be updated as and when the situation changes.
“For passengers with immediate flights this afternoon they should contact their airline and check the Airport’s website for updates.”
All transport links to the airport have also been cancelled, with train lines and bus routes stopping short.
The following post showed passengers being turned away at the airport.
Something g going v down at BHX. @bbcwm pic.twitter.com/ByGrtiJyZs
— Ian Pugh (@picopugh) October 23, 2024
Birmingham Live, a local paper, have reported that a man called Bilag Baig driving past claims they saw a bomb disposal unit and police dogs arrive at the site.
He told the paper: “Birmingham Airport has been sealed off to incoming vehicles, with passengers seen walking outside the terminal. A bomb disposal unit has been spotted entering the airport, and police officers are on the scene, guiding people away from the area.
“Further details are yet to emerge as authorities respond to the situation. Travellers are advised to avoid the area and follow official updates.”
One local person trying to get a flight from the airport tweeted to say: “Been evacuated over an hour at Birmingham Airport. Js tryna got on holiday, cant have sh*t around here”.
Another responded to the Birmingham Airport twitter to say: “I am stuck on a plane, claustrophobic, pleading to get off. How long is this situation going to take?”
More to follow.