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Two RAF typhoons escorted a Ryanair plane from Vienna to London Stansted last night after “suspicious objects” were discovered in the cabin bathroom mid-flight. The personnel on board activated the terrorist alert and two men were detained in connection with the incident. But it has since emerged that the suspicious item was just a mobile phone.
Armed police surrounded Laudamotion’s flight upon its arrival at 7:20 p.m. Sunday, after the RAF escorted the flight to London Airport.
Two men aged 24 and 28 from Kuwait and Italy were escorted out of the plane and taken into custody by the anti-terrorism police.
However, the suspicious item was examined on Monday and found to be of no concern.
Both men have since been released and the investigation has been closed.
It is estimated that it cost £ 90,000 to climb the two RAF Typhoons for the 30-minute operation.
A spokesman for the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, which fights terrorism and organized crime, confirmed today that the “suspicious object” was a telephone that was found in the bathrooms.
In a statement he added: “Officers investigating reports of a suspicious device on a flight that landed at London Stansted Airport yesterday have concluded their investigations.
“Following reports of a suspicious device in the bathroom of a plane arriving from Vienna, Austria, shortly after 7 pm, counter-terrorism police officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) two men were arrested under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act (2000).
“After examination by specialized researchers, the object was found to be of no concern.
READ MORE: RAF fighter typhoons rushed to intercept a passenger plane
“We are stationed in a remote area. Nothing happens yet.
“The police have come on board and have taken two men.
“They found suspicious objects in the bathrooms and called the police.
“Everything seems fine now. That was awful! “
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “The crew of a Ryanair flight from Vienna to London Stansted tonight (August 30) alerted to a possible security threat on board.
“In accordance with procedures, the captain informed the UK authorities and continued to London Stansted, where the aircraft landed normally and taxied to a remote post where the passengers safely disembarked.
“Passengers in London Stansted waiting to depart for Vienna were transferred to a spare plane to minimize the delay in their flight. This is now a matter for the local police.”
The RAF confirmed that its fighters assisted with the call.
An RAF spokesperson said: “RAF Coningsby Typhoon fighter jets were launched tonight to intercept a civilian aircraft.
“The plane was escorted safely to Stansted.”
A Stansted airport spokesman confirmed that operations returned to normal on Sunday night.
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