LAST UPDATE | 4 hrs ago

A BOMB DISPOSAL police unit has been sent to Gatwick Airport in London after a “suspected prohibited item” was found in luggage.

Sussex Police said a “security cordon has been put in place” inside the south terminal of the UK’s second busiest airport.

A large part of the building has been evacuated. Police and other security services are at the scene.

It has been reported by Sky News that a controlled explosion has also been carried out on a suspect package at the US Embassy in London. 

The airport added: “Safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

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.… pic.twitter.com/srjjz4rra0

— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) November 22, 2024

Travellers flying from the south terminal have been unable to check-in since the incident began.

The north terminal is unaffected. Train services at the airport have been suspended.

Bomb disposal unit

Sussex Police said in a statement: “Police were called to the south terminal at Gatwick airport at 8.20am on Friday following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.

“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with.

“As a precaution, an EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) team is being deployed to the airport.

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.

A spokesman for Gatwick 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.”

Contains reporting from © AFP 2024 , Press Association and Órla Ryan