Police and fire crews swarm Manchester Airport runway after report of suspicious package on plane

Police and fire crews have swarmed the runway at Manchester Airport this evening amid claims of a 'suspicious package' on a plane.

It is thought that the emergency services surrounded an Emirates flight that arrived from Dubai after it landed shortly after 7pm tonight.

The Manchester Evening News now understands that the aircraft was held to be assessed and that no items of concern were found on board.

Manchester Airport have confirmed to the M.E.N tonight that the flight landed and confirmed that Greater Manchester Police are dealing with the incident. Normal operations have since been resumed.

This is a breaking incident. Live updates below.

"At around 7:20pm this evening (Tuesday 17 October) Greater Manchester Police were made aware of an email claiming there was a suspicious package on a flight.

"The aircraft had landed at Manchester Airport and was held for further assessment.

"Searches and security checks have been completed, and no suspicious items have so far been found.

"Passengers have now disembarked the aircraft with extra officers on hand to answer any questions and offer visible reassurance.

"No arrests have been made at this stage."

The M.E.N understands no arrests have been made as yet. Extra police officers were reportedly drafted in to liaise with passengers caught up in the drama.

The alert led to a number of planes on approach being held up, but the M.E.N understands no flights were diverted as a result.

All reported threats are treated seriously and acted on by the airport and authorities.

The Manchester Evening News understands the airfield was 'closed for a brief period' as emergency services responded to the incident earlier tonight.

The airport has since confirmed to us that the plane is