This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/8430612.stm

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Terror theory for US jet incident 'Terror attack bid' on US plane
(30 minutes later)
An incident on an airliner arriving in the US city of Detroit from the Netherlands may have been an attempted attack, US intelligence sources say. An incident on an airliner arriving in Detroit from the Netherlands was an attempted terrorist attack, a senior administration official told the BBC.
An official said the incident, in which firecrackers were initially said to have been set off, had been an attempt by a passenger to blow up the plane. Sources say the incident, in which firecrackers were initially said to have been set off, had been an attempt by a passenger to blow up the plane.
Early indications are that the suspect said he was acting of behalf of al-Qaeda, a police source told AP.Early indications are that the suspect said he was acting of behalf of al-Qaeda, a police source told AP.
Panic ensued aboard the Airbus 330 and several people were slightly hurt.Panic ensued aboard the Airbus 330 and several people were slightly hurt.
The White House says President Barack Obama is monitoring the situation.The White House says President Barack Obama is monitoring the situation.
The president "instructed that all appropriate measures be taken to increase security for air travel", spokesman Bill Burton told reporters.The president "instructed that all appropriate measures be taken to increase security for air travel", spokesman Bill Burton told reporters.
The identity of the suspect is unclear. Some media reports media suggest he is Nigerian.The identity of the suspect is unclear. Some media reports media suggest he is Nigerian.
'Powder and liquid''Powder and liquid'
The Associated Press's source, whom it described as a "senior US counter-terror official", said a passenger aboard the flight in Detroit had been planning to blow up the plane but the explosive device failed.The Associated Press's source, whom it described as a "senior US counter-terror official", said a passenger aboard the flight in Detroit had been planning to blow up the plane but the explosive device failed.
The official said the passenger was being questioned on Friday evening.The official said the passenger was being questioned on Friday evening.
It was not immediately clear why the passenger would want to attack the flight, AP notes.It was not immediately clear why the passenger would want to attack the flight, AP notes.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was continuing, the agency added.The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was continuing, the agency added.
Another US intelligence official quoted by AP said an explosive device had been used consisting of a "mix of powder and liquid".Another US intelligence official quoted by AP said an explosive device had been used consisting of a "mix of powder and liquid".
Susan Elliott, spokeswoman for Delta Airlines - the parent company of Northwest - said earlier that 278 passengers had been on board Flight 253 when the incident took place at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Friday afternoon.Susan Elliott, spokeswoman for Delta Airlines - the parent company of Northwest - said earlier that 278 passengers had been on board Flight 253 when the incident took place at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Friday afternoon.
The flight landed safely at the airport just before 1200 local time (1700 GMT).The flight landed safely at the airport just before 1200 local time (1700 GMT).
At least one passenger was taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.At least one passenger was taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.
The FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.The FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
Were you on the plane when the firecrackers went off? Were you affected by the incident? Send us your stories using the form below.Were you on the plane when the firecrackers went off? Were you affected by the incident? Send us your stories using the form below.
A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions