Passengers on Orlando flight 'searched' as plane swarmed by authorities after 'suspicious package' found by cabin crew

Passengers on an Orlando flight back to Manchester have claimed they were told they would be searched as their plane was swarmed by authorities after a suspicious package was found by a member of cabin crew on board.

The Virgin Atlantic flight, that landed at Manchester Airport Terminal 2 shortly before midday Thursday (September 21), was immediately met by fire crews and explosives units on the runway before passengers were quickly evacuated out of the rear doors.

Those on board reportedly saw a member of cabin crew 'wearing goggles' and 'carrying a box' shortly after taking off from Florida. It was not until they landed hours later that one couple said they became 'worried' by the dramatic scenes at the airport runway.

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Pictures taken after landing show a huge emergency services response, with a number of fire engines, Manchester Airport staff and specialist explosives units meeting the aircraft.

Virgin Atlantic have since said they followed protocol, that 'routine searches' were carried out and that staff alerted the authorities who were ready to meet the plane moments after touching down on the runway. It is understood an inspection of the package both before and after landing later revealed there was no threat involved.

One couple on board, who asked not to be named, told the Manchester Evening News: "As we set off, about five minutes in, my partner noticed a member of the cabin crew walking down the aisle with a box. He had goggles on so she pointed it out, but we didn't think anything of it really.

"The