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Man arrested over Heathrow alert Man arrested over Heathrow alert
(10 minutes later)
A major security alert is under way at Heathrow airport after a man with a rucksack scaled the perimeter fence and ran into the path of an aircraft.A major security alert is under way at Heathrow airport after a man with a rucksack scaled the perimeter fence and ran into the path of an aircraft.
The incident happened just after 1400 GMT on Heathrow's north runway. Eyewitnesses told the BBC armed police surrounded the man on Heathrow's north runway just after 1400 GMT and sniffer dogs were sent in to check the bag.
The BBC's Ben Ando said eyewitnesses saw armed police officers surround the man and sniffer dogs sent in to check the rucksack. The Metropolitan Police said a controlled explosion was carried out, but nothing suspicious was found.
A man is understood to have been taken into custody. No-one has been hurt in the incident. A man has been arrested. Some flights have been delayed or cancelled.
Ben Ando said police received numerous 999 calls from members of the public. The BBC's Ben Ando said police received numerous 999 calls from members of the public.
Bag recoveredBag recovered
Up to 20 emergency services vehicles were reported to have been sent to the scene.Up to 20 emergency services vehicles were reported to have been sent to the scene.
The rucksack was recovered and explosives officers called in as a precaution.The rucksack was recovered and explosives officers called in as a precaution.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "A man was arrested and is currently in custody. A bag has been recovered."A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "A man was arrested and is currently in custody. A bag has been recovered."
Norman Shanks, a former head of security at airports operator BAA, said it was not the first time a person had climbed over airport fencing.Norman Shanks, a former head of security at airports operator BAA, said it was not the first time a person had climbed over airport fencing.
He said it often transpired they were drunk or mentally instable, and occasionally they were protesters. He said it often transpired they were drunk or mentally unstable, and occasionally they were protesters.
"Who knows what category this person falls into," he told BBC News 24."Who knows what category this person falls into," he told BBC News 24.
It is understood the north runway, also identified as 27R, was closed, but is now being partially used.It is understood the north runway, also identified as 27R, was closed, but is now being partially used.
Cancelled flightsCancelled flights
A BAA Heathrow spokesman said passengers should contact airlines to find out whether flights have been delayed or cancelled.A BAA Heathrow spokesman said passengers should contact airlines to find out whether flights have been delayed or cancelled.
He said: "The northern runway is now being partially used while police deal with the incident. The southern runway is fully operational. Some delays are occurring as a result."He said: "The northern runway is now being partially used while police deal with the incident. The southern runway is fully operational. Some delays are occurring as a result."
British Airways said some of its flights could be cancelled.British Airways said some of its flights could be cancelled.
The security breach comes a day before the Queen was due to open the new Terminal 5 building. The security breach comes a day before the new Terminal 5 building is due to open.


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