Virgin jet diverted amid bomb alert

[HW Chris]

A Virgin passenger plane is at the centre of a security alert this morning after being diverted to Stansted airport after a reported bomb threat.

The aircraft, carrying up to 240 passengers and crew, was flying from Hong Kong to London's Heathrow airport. It landed at around 5.30am.

Essex Police and Scotland Yard are investigating the incident at the airport.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson confirmed that Flight VF201 was diverted to London Stansted as a 'precautionary measure'.

The spokesperson added: 'The aircraft and passengers are now subject to full security checks by the appropriate authorities. The flight departed Hong Kong at 2342 local time and following the diversion landed safely at Stansted at 5.23am local time.

'The aircraft was an Airbus A340600 and was carrying 214 passengers and 18 crew.

'The safety and welfare of our crew and passengers is Virgin Atlantic's top priority and we would like to thank passengers for their patience and we regret any inconvenience caused to them.'

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