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Bomb disposal experts have been deployed to Gatwick airport after a suspected prohibited item was found in the luggage area at the southern terminal where passengers have been evacuated.
Sussex police said officers were called to the southern terminal at 8.20am on Friday when the suspect luggage was discovered.
The force has imposed a security cordon around the terminal to ensure public safety. An explosive ordnance disposal team has been deployed to the airport, as a precaution, it said.
Passengers have been warned to expect significant disruption and the public have been urged to avoid the area. In a statement, Sussex police said: “This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the south terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible.”
Deborah Cohen, a former BBC journalist, shared video of passengers being ushered to lower floors of the airport. Another video posted on X by Cohen showed passengers being given foil blankets to keep warm.
Staff wearing National Inter-Agency Liaison Officer (Nilo) bibs were videoed at the scene. Such officers work with police, fire and rescue services, and other agencies, to support critical incidents.
The aviation analytics website Cirium said 316 flights were scheduled to depart from the airport on Friday, with a total of more than 60,600 seats. A further 318 flights were scheduled to arrive, with more than 61,400 seats.
A spokesperson for the UK’s second busiest airport said: “A large part of the south terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident. Passengers will not be able to enter the south terminal while this is ongoing.
“Safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train services at the station had also been suspended.
The train passenger information website National Rail Enquiries said: “The police are dealing with an incident at Gatwick airport. The station and airport are currently being evacuated.
“Services are able to run through the station and area but will not call at Gatwick airport at this time. Please avoid travelling to the station whilst this incident is ongoing. This is expected to continue until approximately 2pm.”
